SolarCity installs solar panels in houses for free

SolarCity is installing solar panels on roofs for free, so people can spend less on energy.

The solar power provider will fund and install solar panels in rooftops and carports of affordable of affordable housing communities. The electricity generated by the systems is distributed among common areas and individual housing units. Residents receive credits on their utility bills based on the amount of solar electricity allocated to their units, made possible by a policy called virtual net metering.

In California, SolarCity has partnered with Everyday Energy, a developer and advocate for the economically disadvantaged, to help extend the benefits of solar to the residents of affordable housing communities. Everyday Energy analyzes residents’ electricity usage and helps developers direct savings to individual residential units based on solar production and usage. SolarCity’s new service joins a growing list of community solar models that extend solar cost saving opportunities to renters that have previously been available only to homeowners.

“We expect the collaboration between SolarCity and Everyday Energy to make it possible for a broad range of multifamily affordable housing communities to save money on energy costs that can instead be spent on food, healthcare and other critical needs,” said Scott Sarem, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Everyday Energy.

SolarCity also makes it possible for single family home builders to install affordable solar power on new homes before the owners even move in. Builders offer solar power to residents—without delaying construction timelines or adding to the purchase price of the home—while new homeowners can save money from day one. SolarCity recently worked with Habitat for Humanity of San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys to provide affordable solar power on 78 new homes for returning US veterans.

“There is a critical need to expand access to solar to communities that have not traditionally experienced as much growth as others,” said Assembly member Susan Eggman (D-Stockton). “SolarCity should be commended for creating dedicated programs that target the hard to reach consumers while putting hard earned money back into the pockets of those who need it the most.”