Solar On Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) Program
- Gary Hansen
- Nov 13
- 1 min read
WHAT IS IT?
A state-funded incentive and equity program supporting solar access for affordable housing in California.
TRIBES ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR UP TO
$3.50 per AC Watt for solar capacity dedicated to tenants and $1.19 per AC Watt for common areas.
WHO MANAGES IT?
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
WHAT CAN YOU USE IT FOR?
Install solar PV systems on affordable multifamily housing properties
Offset electricity costs for common areas
Add energy storage systems to improve reliability and resilience
Support workforce development by hiring and training local, low-income job seekers through SOMAH’s job-training requirements
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Property must be Tribally owned by a California Native American Tribe
Property must be a multifamily low-income rental housing with at least 5 units
Property must be in the service territory of one of the eligible investor-owned utilities: PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, PacifiCorp, or Liberty Utilities
Property must be deed-restricted or under a regulatoryagreement that enforces affordable rents for low-income tenants
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT?
Award Cap: ▪ $3.50 per AC watt for solar capacity dedicated to tenants
▪ $1.19 per AC watt for common areas
Cost Share: Not Required
Project Timeline: 3 – 6 months
