City of Coachella to host solar showcase installation
COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) - Coachella officials will host a solar showcase installation on a residence under the Coachella Prospera initiative designed to reduce energy costs and increase resilience during the valley's extreme heat, slated for next week.
The event will take place Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 84712 Calle Pino.
Coachella Prospera was formed through a community planning process led by the city's Economic Development Department. Residents, local businesses and other public agencies participated in workshops and meetings to identify projects that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The city secured $22 million from the California Strategic Growth Council through the state's Transformative Climate Communities Program.
The Calle Pino residence will be the first residential solar installation under the Transformative Climate Communities funded Coachella Prospera initiative.
"We are celebrating more than the start of a solar project,'' said Yoselyn Eckert, director of Outreach for GRID Alternatives Inland Empire, said in a statement. "This installation reflects a vision for Coachella where families can lower their energy bills, breath cleaner air and access new opportunities.''
In partnership with Grid Alternatives Inland Empire, a nonprofit solar installer and workforce development organization, the city will celebrate in launching what officials refer to as a community-led energy investment.
For the next three years, Grid Alternatives will install solar systems to roughly 75 homes at no cost to income-qualified Coachella Prospera households. With each installation, it will include workforce training and youth education.
"This first solar installation demonstrated what is possible when residents, the city and community partners work together,'' said Councilwoman Denise Delgado. "Through Coachella Prospera, we are delivering climate solutions that reduce pollution, support local workforce development and directly benefit the neighborhoods most impacted by environmental and economic challenges."
