Recently the Californian government set the stage for affordable solar energy to low-income residents. About $14.7 million has been raised from the Golden State’s cap and the trade system to move the project of
installing solar panels to underprivileged neighborhoods for free forward . This program aims to lessen the energy costs for families that could be of great help, as it also lessens the environmental footprints.
This approach limits the amount of greenhouse gases a company can emit on a regular basis, and it reprimands polluting companies, such as power plants and oil refineries to purchase credit for each ton consumed. This credit can be used to help families save a good amount of cash over the year.
The group is also planning to install the paneling for more than 1,600 families before the end of next year. These families will be able to save money every month for clothes, food, medical expenses, and so on. To support that, one of locals who can enjoy this kind of privilege is Roy Rivera. He lives with a disability and relies on a fixed income, that it’s almost impossible to make ends meet. However, because of this project, he’ll be able to save as much as $818 one energy costs during the first year of installation, and he can use that money to buy his other essentials.
Even though the use of solar energy can help in cutting down the family’s costs, the installation price can be quite expensive– it can cost $15,000 or more, and this is the main reason why a lot of low-income Americans aren’t capable of using their energy source. The price of installation alone restricts them. This was based on the findings made by the San Francisco Chronicle.
Based on the data gathered last year, there are more or less 3.5% of all rooftop
solar installations across three different states, namely: Massachusetts, Maryland, and New York. The median household incomes fall below $39,999.
Though, there are more than 54% of installations in Maryland where the household income exceeds $90,000. This only implies one thing: people are interested in trying this source of energy if they’re capable with, and can pay it.
Thus, the California program is trying to alleviate this kind of financial burden to those residents who barely earn a living. If granted, this can be a win-win situation for both the company and residents as well.
Just like what the Vice’s Brian Merchant mentioned, being able to control the population business, that will allow the families to take advantage of that can be the best strategy for all.
This program also has the opportunity of increasing the ‘good optics,’ because everyone wants to have a cleaner environment, but the cost and expense of it are just some of the usual restrictions that make it impossible.
