Actionable progress toward net-zero energy production in Oakland, California. Critically, this program is specifically meant to alleviate the cost of energy for low-income people. California seems...
Actionable progress toward net-zero energy production in Oakland, California. Critically, this program is specifically meant to alleviate the cost of energy for low-income people.
St Mary’s Gardens is one of more than 100 projects in California that have had solar panels installed as part of the state-funded Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (Somah) program. The state is allotting $100m a year in public funding starting in July 2019. By 2030, the program’s goal is to power 300 megawatts through new solar projects on low-income rental buildings across the state – akin to the amount of electricity generated by a small nuclear power plant, or enough to provide power to 150,000 tenant families.
Solar panels have become popular to assist in energy conservation, and oftentimes have benefited wealthier neighborhoods. In an effort to make solar energy more equitable, the Biden-Harris administration approved a $7bn Solar for All program for states across the country.
The total cost of installing solar energy in a building like St Mary’s Gardens is about $345,000, and it has taken three and a half years. “It was a lot of work put into making these projects [successful],” Abbasi said.
California seems to have a nameplate capacity of about 84,617 MW. 300 MW, or powering 150,000 homes, is pretty cool, but the state still has a long way to go. But at least it's on a good track.
In 2021, California apparently generated 59% of its electricity through non-fossil fuel means: 37.2% by green renewables like wind and solar, 10.7% by hydro, and 10.8% by nuclear. The state's goal is to reach 90% clean energy by 2030, 95% by 2035, and 100% by 2045.
Actionable progress toward net-zero energy production in Oakland, California. Critically, this program is specifically meant to alleviate the cost of energy for low-income people.
California seems to have a nameplate capacity of about 84,617 MW. 300 MW, or powering 150,000 homes, is pretty cool, but the state still has a long way to go. But at least it's on a good track.
In 2021, California apparently generated 59% of its electricity through non-fossil fuel means: 37.2% by green renewables like wind and solar, 10.7% by hydro, and 10.8% by nuclear. The state's goal is to reach 90% clean energy by 2030, 95% by 2035, and 100% by 2045.