More than 700 households in Corona have participated in the Community Solar Program by Southern California Edison, city officials said Thursday.
The solar energy will result in over $50,000 in total annual savings on the residents’ energy costs, according to the city.
“The success of this campaign so far reflects the growing desire among our residents to embrace renewable energy and work together to make a difference,” officials said in a statement.
Many residents learned about the program via inserts in their water bills and digital campaigns in recent months. Time remains to enroll, “but spots are filling up fast,” officials said. “Once the program is at capacity, it will be sold out.” It was not immediately clear how many Corona households may enroll in the program.
Program participants get guaranteed savings of up to 10% off monthly electricity, avoid installation because no solar panels are required and may cancel anytime without penalties or fees, according to the city. The solar project was expected to go initiate on Feb. 1 with credits appearing on March SCE bills.
“This program is part of the City’s ongoing dedication to improving sustainability and offering tangible benefits to our residents,” officials said. “The City has enrolled its own eligible SCE accounts in this program, leading by doing. Through its participation, Corona is supporting California’s climate goals by reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy use. Together, we’re showing how small changes can create a big impact.”
The Community Solar Program, also known as community renewables, is a state program established by the California legislature and administered by SCE to provide local, renewable electricity without the installation of solar panels or cost.
Instead of installing any solar on residential properties, residents subscribe to a piece of a large shared solar farm located elsewhere in SCE territory, according to PowerMarket, a company that connects consumers with local renewable energy projects. For Corona residents, the field of solar panels supplying the electricity is in Inyokern in Kern County.
“It costs you nothing to join and you will be guaranteed savings every month,” according to PowerMarket. “And that’s all while you are supporting the critical growth of our transition towards cleaner energy solutions.”
To enroll in the program, residents may visit powermarket.io/corona.html, call PowerMarket at 661-443-0452 or email dimension@powermarket.io.
