California’s SOMAH Program Now Includes Energy Storage for Affordable Housing
California’s Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) Program has been expanded to include energy storage incentives, making it more feasible for apartment owners and managers to pair solar panels with batteries. This update aims to ensure residents aren’t left in the dark during outages.
Why Storage Matters for Affordable Housing
Solar panels alone can’t keep lights on when the grid goes down. That’s where batteries like the Tesla Powerwall come in—they store excess energy for later use. For low-income communities, this isn’t just about savings; it’s about safety during heatwaves or public safety power shutoffs.
How the Numbers Work
The incentives cover up to 80% of storage costs for qualifying properties. A typical 10 kW solar array paired with a 15 kWh battery might see upfront costs drop from $18,000 to under $4,000 after incentives. Payback periods? As short as 5 years in high-utility-rate areas.
Installation Realities: Sunrun vs. Local Providers
National players like Sunrun dominate headlines, but local installers often better understand SOMAH’s paperwork maze. One Sacramento property manager shared: “Our 20-unit retrofit took 3 months with a regional crew—half
