Fall 2011

San Diego Launches Group Savings Program to Reduce Residential Solar Costs

On July 26, 2011, the City of San Diego kicked off the Reduce Then Produce Group Savings Program in efforts to help homeowners install photovoltaic and solar thermal systems at a lower price per watt.

This new program is part of the San Diego Summer of Energy Independence promotion focused on encouraging city residents to take action on lowering their energy consumption through energy efficiency and solar energy retrofits. GroupEnergy, a California-based company that helps residents pool their buying power to reduce the cost of energy improvements, is facilitating the Reduce Then Produce program in coordination with the California Center for Sustainable Energy and the City of San Diego.

Homeowners that opt into the program will be guided through the Energy Upgrade California (EUC) program to ensure their homes are energy efficient before they become eligible to join the solar group buy pool. With an ambitious schedule, GroupEnergy plans to have all homeowners in the program under contract by early November and all systems installed by the end of the year. The deadline for applying is October 20th.