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Solar for Our Communities

San Diego Community Power (SDCP) is seeking interested solar developers to make 100% renewable energy more accessible through local, small-scale solar projects through its Solar Discount and Community Solar Programs.

The Request for Offer announcement is now live! Please visit our Solicitations webpage to apply.

What is Solar for Our Communities?

SDCP’s solar programs are designed to increase local, new-build, small-scale solar projects in disadvantaged communities (DAC), or communities of concern, as defined by CalEnviroScreen 4.0.

SDCP is seeking developers interested in both programs as well as non-profit community-based organizations (CBOs), schools and government entities* willing to sponsor specific projects for the Community Solar Program that will help reduce residents’ long-term energy costs and create a more sustainable future for the greater San Diego region.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has allocated 15.78 megawatts (MWs) of solar generation for the SDCP Solar Discount Program, which is formally known as the Disadvantaged Community Green Tariff (DAC-GT). The CPUC has also allocated 4.38 MWs for the SDCP Community Solar Program, referred to by the CPUC as the Community Solar Green Tariff (CSGT).

 

Watch or review the materials from our Solar for Our Communities webinars for more information:

*Government entities can include municipalities, Joint Power Authorities, SDCP member agencies and more.

The Request for Offer is now live! You can view it here.

Are you a developer? Stay up to date and register here for project opportunities.

Are you a CBO, government entity or school? Sign up to learn how you can partner with solar developers on a Community Solar (CSGT) project.

*Dates subject to change

WhenDetails
March 2023Designated Program Administrator by CPUC: March 2023
June 2023SDCP Draft solicitation documents approved by CPUC
August 18, 2023RFO Webinar #1 - Hosted by SDCP for developers and potential Community Solar sponsors
August 21, 2023RFO Webinar #2 - Hosted by SDCP for developers and potential Community Solar sponsors
August 25, 2023 Solicitation Released - Solicitation will be released once a year or as needed until capacity is reached
February 24, 2024Anticipated Solicitation Closure - Solicitation will be released once a year or as needed until capacity is reached
2025Anticipated initial project completion

Important Resources:

For more information on DAC-GT and CSGT, please visit the CPUC’s website

Resolution E-5246: Approves San Diego Community Power’s DAC-GT and CSGT program implementation plans with modifications.

For potential community sponsors: View the Community Solar Fact Sheet.

For developers: View the Solar for Our Communities Fact Sheet.

Detailed Program Information

Project Eligibility Criteria for Solar Discount (DAC-GT)

  • The Project must be physically located in and connecting electrically to a circuit, load, or substation within San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDG&E’s) service territory and located within an eligible DAC.
  • The Project must be a new solar Renewable Portfolio Standard (“RPS”)-eligible, in-front-of-the-meter generating facility.
  • Behind-the-meter projects, nonrenewable technologies, and other complementary technologies are not eligible.
  • The Project must have an online date no earlier than 2025.
  • Eligible projects must be sized between 500 kW and 20 MW.
  • The Project must have completed a Phase I Interconnection Study or equivalent.
  • The Project must comply with the California Air Resources Board’s Voluntary Renewable Electricity Program.
  • The Project must be Green-e certified.
  • The Project must qualify as a Solar Discount (DAC-GT) Project pursuant to D.18-06-027, D.18-10-007, and Resolution E-4999.

Project Eligibility Criteria for Community Solar (CSGT)

  • The Project must be located within 5 miles of the DAC census tracts in which subscribing SDCP customers reside, as further defined in the Community Solar (CSGT) Eligible Locations requirements below; and
  • The Project must submit a letter of commitment from a non-profit community-based organization (CBO), local government entity or school that would serve as a sponsor for the Community Solar (CSGT) project on behalf of DAC residents.

SDCP may be able to support the identification and engagement of a qualifying Community Sponsor. CBOs, government entities and schools are encouraged to register here to learn more.

Summary of Solar Discount (DAC-GT) & Community Solar (CSGT)

Solar Discount (DAC-GT)Community Solar (CSGT)
Eligible customers:
CARE/FERA eligible, residential DAC customers
Residential DAC Customers:
1. ≥50% CARE/FERA eligible
2. Remainder to non-income qualified
Customers receive:
100% renewable energy 20% off
100% renewable energy 20% off
Project location:
In DACs
In DAC & within 5 miles of DAC(s) where subscribing customers reside
Project size:
500 kw - 20 MW
No minimum - 3 MW
Community sponsor(s):
N/A
Required, can subscribe to ≤25% of project’s capacity & receive 20% discount on that subscribed amount
Cost cap:
≤ 200% of max executed contract price in previous PV/RAM as available peaking or GT program
≤ 200% of max executed contract price in previous PV/RAM as available peaking or GT program
RFO bids:
See above.
Sponsor letter, workforce development required for all projects, prioritize top 5% DACs, projects with other government funding