Bringing Solar to Our Community

The Neighborhood Solar Program is a community supported and funded program administered by Silicon Valley Power. Initially launched in September 2002, the program allowed customers to make voluntary small donations, typically five or ten dollars a month on their utility bill, to pay for solar photovoltaic (PV) system installations on non-profit community-based organizations and City facilities in Santa Clara. Additional contributions were provided by sponsorships received from businesses in Santa Clara, funds from the Santa Clara Green Power program, and matching funds from Silicon Valley Power’s Public Benefits Program. When sufficient funds were available, participants in the Neighborhood Solar Program nominated and voted for various organizations to receive a solar system. In June 2017, Silicon Valley Power officially ended the collection of donations for the Neighborhood Solar Program as the number of interested and eligible organizations has been exhausted, and the costs for solar PV systems have dropped significantly and are now more affordable.

Through the Neighborhood Solar Program, ten different organizations have received solar systems totaling a capacity of 222 kW DC. Annually, these systems generate over 339 MWh of electricity and help offset over $45,000 in energy costs.