SOMAH FAQs - How does BPi and the SOMAH program work together?

How does BPi and the SOMAH program work together??

BPi, Bright power Inc, utilizes the SOMAH program to put affordable solar on multifamily properties. We manage all aspects of the project, navigate all aspects of the process?from start to finish, and work alongside you to provide clean, renewable energy that lasts. ?

BPi, Bright power Inc, specializes in turnkey, solar, energy storage, roofing, multifamily, commercial, industrial and general contracting services. However, we are also a proud SOMAH partner and have an emphasis in assisting affordable housing properties. If you own or manage affordable housing, your property may qualify for super low-cost solar power. We can help you go solar via SOMAH – a program that provides significant financial incentives for multifamily affordable housing. BPi - [email protected] | bpi-power.com or visit CalSOMAH.org/multi-prop?

What is the purpose of SOMAH and why was it created??

• The program ensures equal access to solar energy for all California households, regardless of income levels.?
• As we transition into a future with clean energy, the SOMAH Program increases renewable energy opportunities for low-income customers to benefit on their bills as well as in their environment.?
• Improving access to solar means lower utility bills, better housing security and a cleaner environment.?

What is SOMAH??

• SOMAH is California’s largest investment in low-income residential solar for tenants.?
• Provides property owners with financial incentives to substantially offset the cost of a solar PV system on multifamily affordable housing properties.?
• Offers direct financial benefit to tenants, decreasing energy bills with a minimum of 51% of benefits going to tenants.?

How will the program benefit property owners??

• Incentives provided by the program will significantly reduce the cost of solar installation on your property.?
• Provides savings on energy costs for your common area and tenants loads.?
• Long-term value will be added to your property.?
• Offers free support services to assist you throughout your SOMAH application and solar installation.?

How is the program funded??

• The SOMAH Program is funded by investor-owned utility greenhouse gas allowance auction proceeds amounting to $100 million annually for 10 years.?

What are the property eligibility requirements??

• Have at least five units?
• Be deed-restricted, low-income residential housing?
• Satisfy at least one of the following:?
• 80 percent of property residents have incomes at or below 60 percent of the area median income (AMI).?
• Property is located in a defined disadvantaged community (DAC) that scores in the top 25% of census tracts statewide in the CalEnviroScreen.?
• Be an existing building or retrofit (new construction properties may receive upfront technical assistance, but must have their certificate of occupancy before submitting a reservation request)?
• Have individually metered units, not master-metered?
• Be a utility or community choice aggregator customer in the Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), PacifiCorp or Liberty Utilities territories?

What are the expectations and timeline of the application process??

• 18-month process with four main milestones (Reservation Request Package, Energy Efficiency Compliance Milestone, Proof of Project Milestone and Incentive Claim Package). However, a project can be completed at an earlier time frame if all program requirements are met.?
• All applications have an applicant who is the entity that completes or submits the SOMAH Program application. The host customer (property owner) may act as the applicant or designate a third-party (contractor or developer) to act on their behalf.?

How is the incentive payment amount calculated??

• Incentive rates vary depending on a couple of factors:?
• The capacity of the installed system?
• The energy percentage split between tenant and common area loads?
• Application of Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) or Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)?

What project costs can the incentive cover??

• Total eligible project costs cover the solar energy system and its ancillary equipment. Additional equipment and other costs outside of the project scope are considered ineligible.?
• Some common costs covered by the total eligible project cost include:?
• Solar equipment capital costs, including tracking systems and other ancillary equipment associated with the solar energy system?
• Engineering and design costs for the solar energy system?
• Construction and installation costs?
• Engineering feasibility study costs?
• To view all costs included in the total eligible project costs, please refer to Section 3.3.1 of the SOMAH Program Handbook.?

Additional Resources?

• Visit the FAQ page on our website (https://calsomah.org/faq)?to learn the answers to other common questions that property owners and their tenants may have.?