City Heights Solar

Energy Upgrades in Southeastern San Diego

Makello's FREE Energy Analysis qualify 100% incentives

Get Makello’s FREE Energy Savings Estimate!

Energy Upgrades Lifeline can be a 6 Month Emergency Fund now

Would you like to have a 6 Month Emergency Fund right now? An “Energy Upgrades Lifeline” delivers incentives up front and pays for itself over time.

Request a Public Electric Vehicle Charger. CalEVIP program
City Heights is eligible for up to 100% incentives for DC Level 3 and AC Level 2 EV Chargers, by a combination of CalEVIP $17M Program funds and Federal Tax Incentives. Place a pin on the map to suggest a location for future consideration.
CalEVIP. 100% incentives for Public Plug-In Vehicle Chargers
There are communities in San Diego that could benefit from up to 100% incentives for DC Level 3 and AC Level 2 EV Chargers, by a combination of CalEVIP $17M Program funds and Federal Tax Incentives. Place a pin on the map to suggest a location for future consideration.

About City Heights

In Chollas Creek, Makello supports community and non-profit organizations, such as Groundwork San Diego, with grant writing and presentations at events. Makello educates school staff, parents, and students about Plug-In Vehicles, Solar Power, and Energy Storage. Visit our grants page for updates about a multi-million dollar win for San Diego!

Chollas Creek Watershed

Chollas Creek is part of the greater Pueblo Watershed and was a prominent settlement for the Kumeyaay peoples due to the area’s rich biological diversity and geologic assets. Today, Chollas Creek runs through multiple neighborhoods as it flows from La Mesa to San Diego Bay. Many community members continue to be stewards of their environment through lifestyle choice and community involvement, working to preserve the rich ecology of the area and create healthier neighborhoods.

Communities

Barrio Logan, Chollas View, City Heights, Encanto, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Logan Heights, Mount Hope, Mountain View, Oak Park, Southcrest

Many of the homes in Chollas Creek are relatively older, and the residents are diverse culturally, socioeconomically, and by world region of geographic origin. The households range from family oriented households, often multi-generational, to retirees, singles or recent college graduates starting their careers and independent life. The zip codes in City Heights are 92102, 92104, 92105, and 92115.

People

Residents in Chollas Creek are environmentally conscious, follow trends, and like a good bargain. All age groups use technology to varying degrees though many are not dependent on technology. Unemployment is high in some areas, but labor force participation is average or above average throughout Chollas Creek. The workforce of this community tends towards hard working blue collar laborers with a significant portion of the population having obtained some college education or earned a college degree. Women’s paid employment can be low in this area because many women stay at home to care for children or aging parents. There are many car enthusiasts among these neighborhoods, who love owning fun-to-drive vehicles.

Environment

Chollas Creek has many areas with high pollution scores and low incomes as calculated by CalEnviroScreen, representing a population vulnerable to pollution related issues. ​​ High rates of dust and pollution particles in disadvantaged communities may increase the spread of viruses, worsening the COVID-19 crisis in communities with already low defenses. These environmental qualities could qualify some residents for rebates and incentives for Solar Power, Plug-In Vehicles (and EV Charging), or Energy Storage installations, lowering the cost of these installations.

Climate Equity Index

Climate Equity Index refers to the opportunity communities have to combat environmental justice and social equity concerns. Climate Equity Index is low throughout Chollas Creek, so it is eligible for many government funding opportunities to help combat climate change and improve social equity.

Makello’s guest lecture presentations can help direct millions of dollars in Federal, State, and Local program funds to where it is needed most in your community. Contact us for your next company, organizational, board, or membership meeting, green initiative, or grant writing project.

City Heights Solar Panel Installation

City Heights is eligible for up to 100% incentives for solar installations. For more information, see the incentives summary below.

Installation

The homes in City Heights face unique challenges, due to the age of the electrical panel, wiring, and roof. Makello has 7 ways to install solar without roof penetrations! (5 that you can take with you when you relocate!)

Our installation training, process, and documentation ensures the highest quality workmanship. We don’t lose sleep at night when it’s raining, and with us, neither will you! Visit our Why Makello page to learn more about why we have no roof leaks.

Solar Irradiance

City Heights has excellent solar irradiance, making adoption of solar technology a wise investment, with fast payback in as little as 3 years for cash purchase, or cash-flow positive monthly loan paymentsSee how much you can save.

Adoption Rate

Solar energy adoption rates in City Heights are lagging below the City of San Diego, with less than 6% percent of the homes having solar photovoltaic (PV) panel installations.

Energy Independence

Many residents and business owners in City Heights are interested in utilizing technology that is eco-friendly and improves quality of life. Solar energy systems are increasingly affordable, especially after energy efficiency measures reduce use, and incentives and financing options reduce the up front cost. Installing solar energy helps reduce energy costs while creating energy independence, which is especially useful during the peak use hours, rolling brown outs, or planned power outages. ​

Incentives, Strategy, and Timing

  • Federal Tax Credit:2019: 30%, 2020: 26%, 2021: 22%, 2022: 10%. 
  • Businesses are eligible for Federal & State Depreciation, or up to 100% 1st Year Write-Off for business use.
  • SASH and SOMAH programs (Makello will not assist with these installations, but know City Heights residences may be eligible for these programs.)
  • Avoid tariffs; hoarding and price increases affect all brands.
  • Assess inflation, interest rates, income growth, and lifestyle.
  • Technological efficiency gains are reaching the theoretical limit.
  • Average residential installed cost is $3.5/W before incentives.

Makello can help guide you to cheaper, cleaner energy with an Ethical Energy & Cost Savings Analysis and a solar system right-sized for your goals and site characteristics. Contact us for your FREE Energy Savings Estimate.

Plug-In Vehicles

City Heights is eligible for up to $17M in CalEVIP program funds for DC Fast Charging and Level 2 EV Charging.

Benefits for All

Plug-In Vehicles are a great way to show your attention to style and concern for the environment. Driving with zero greenhouse gas emissions contributes to cleaner air quality and may help lower potential pollution-related negative health impacts such as asthma, low birth weight, or complications for cardiovascular disease. Driving electric is also quieter, helping to reduce noise pollution related stressors.

Using public transportation also helps reduce air pollution! If you currently use or are interested in using public transportation, visit San Diego’s 5 Big Moves and MTS’s ElevateSD 2020 campaign to get ready for the clean transportation revolution.

Don’t just take our word for it, listen to Groundwork San Diego’s high school Green Team explain the benefits of Plug- In and Electric Vehicles.

44+ Models

Plug-In Vehicles come in many forms; SUV, van, truck, sedan, or motorcycle. Drive electric on Solar Power or Super-Off Peak discount utility power, for 1/3rd the cost of gas, instead of driving electric on Peak-Rate utility power for more than the cost of gas. EV and Plug-In Hybrid improved performance and no-noise driving, means more ‘Smiles Per Mile’.

HOV Sticker, Discount Parking, Tolls & Utility Rates

Perks to Plug-In Vehicle drivers include access to California HOV Lanes for single occupant vehicles, discount parking & tolls in select cities, and a quiet, peaceful drive.

Plug-In Vehicles are a fun and efficient method for traveling around town, with rebates and incentives making the vehicles an increasingly affordable option for all income levels, home owners and renters alike. ​

Discount EV (or Plug-In Hybrid) utility rates apply to the whole house. Compare SUPER OFF-PEAK discount EVTOU5 utility rate ($0.05 – $0.09/kWh) vs solar power ($0.06 – $0.08/kWh after incentives cash purchase or $0.9 – $0.14/kWh loan) vs utility power (~$0.25-$0.56/kWh; low-income and medical CARE ~$0.16-$0.3/kWh).

Up To $80,000 EV Charging Incentives

  • $17M in CalEVIP program funds
    • Proposed Level 2 Incentive Design, per connector, up to 10 connectors:
      • $5,000 standard application.
      • MUD $1,000
      • DAC $500
      • AB1550 $500
      • Rural $1,000
    • Proposed Level 3 Incentive Design, per connector, up to 6 connectors:
DC Fast Charger (DCFC)Non-Disadvantaged CommunityDisadvantaged Community/ Low Income QualifiedLCFS * waiver?
50kW+Up to $50,000; or 75%Up to $60,000; or 80%required
100kW+Up to $70,000; or 75%Up to $80,000; or 80%not required

* LCFS= low carbon fuel standard

Up To $33,500 Vehicle Incentives

Up To $9,500 Annual Savings

Makello and Groundwork San Diego can help City Heights to receive an Ethical Energy & Cost Savings Analysis with Plug-In Vehicle recommendations that fit your lifestyle and cost savings goals. Get your FREE Energy Savings Estimate!

Energy Storage

City Heights is eligible for up to $100M in California SGIP Rebates. For more information, see the incentives summary below.

Resiliency and Cost Savings

Energy Storage, a.k.a. battery storage, can be a great option for City Heights residents and business owners. ‘Energy Independence’ means that critical needs are met; life sustaining medical equipment, refrigeration, A/C, well pumps, security and technology works automatically, seamlessly, day or night, event during rolling blackouts, wildfire conditions, or planned utility shutdowns.

Check out Makello’s Mobile Energy Ecosystem – energy on the go with no need for utility power!

SGIP Rebates

There are many rebate qualifiers that offset the purchase and installation costs, especially for those in High Fire Threat Districts or Disadvantaged Communities

Rebates and incentives can cover up to 100% of gross installed cost!  Energy Storage can be used daily to increase utility cost savings.

Incentives, Strategy, and Timing

Makello can help guide you to cheaper, cleaner energy with an Ethical Energy & Cost Savings Analysis and an Energy Storage system right-sized for your goals and site characteristics. Get your FREE Energy Savings Estimate!