Maps are used for more than directions, and at Makello, we are creating maps to highlight communities within our Service Areas. We have a gallery of maps with community insights and tips regarding solar and electric vehicle adoption.
Makello maps can be used for a variety of reasons. The map above shows Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations throughout San Diego County and outlines cities and CDPs (census-designated places) that make up East County San Diego. Individuals can use this map to locate where they could charge their electric vehicles. Non profits and other agencies can depict social inequity in regards to electric vehicle adoption, which could lead to funding. Many people may not realize how big San Diego County is! Can you think of anything else this and future maps might be used for?
Makello has maps to help prospective Plug-In Vehicle owners determine the current and future availability of public electric vehicle charging stations, in the areas where they work and live. Federal and State programs can provide up to 100% incentives for DC Fast Charging for San Diego, so we built a place where you can pin a location to “Request A Public EV Charger” installation. Our customers find this information very useful in the decision to adopt electric vehicle technology. After all, who wants to run out of battery while running errands or driving home after work?
Book an appointment to receive Makello’s Ethical Energy Savings Report, which is the result of a detailed trade-off study of discount utility rates, grants, rebates, tax credits, and equipment options, to determine the fastest payback and highest return on investment to meet your home, business and vehicle energy needs.
The fee for the Ethical Energy Savings Report is refundable (less the 3rd-Party $15 utility data access charge) or credited towards our installation services, after you attend the presentation meeting and complete a 5 minute survey after permission to operate.
Includes up to 5 hours research by the Makello team, and 1 hour Q&A, by Makello’s Ethical Energy Efficiency Expert.
Many of our clients are concerned about air quality in their community and want to take actions to make improvements where they can be made. In many communities, there are a variety of sources for diesel particulate matter such as trucks, farm and construction equipment, emergency generators, industrial equipment, or older model cars. Makello has utilized the CalEnviroscore data to show our clients where concentrations of particulate matter occur and help those customers adopt solar and battery energy storage for emergencies, reducing the need for diesel generators.
Click on maps and they will open in a new tab at larger resolution. The map shown here shows the diesel particulate matter in cities and CDPs in North County San Diego.
Vehicles with gasoline engines are a significant source of air pollution in urban areas, and although we have adopted high pollution control standards in California, vehicle pollution can still be an issue in many communities.
Vehicle pollution contains many toxic chemicals and plays a role in the formation of smog. There are many health concerns related to smog pollution, including asthma, heart disease, and lung disease; all are conditions that worsen the outcomes for COVID-19. Health risks increase with proximity to freeways and heavily trafficked roads, for fine particulate matter that can enter the bloodstream and lung tissues. Vehicle traffic can also be a source of excessive noise and vibrations, which contribute to stress and high blood pressure, or injuries to pedestrians.
At Makello we strive to accommodate all our customers needs and provide equal access to information for everyone. Our maps are color coded specifically to be able to be interpreted by those who are color blind as well. This map shows traffic density in cities and CDPs of South County San Diego.
Gasoline engines idling in traffic achieve lower miles per gallon and produce pollution. Traffic density represents the number of vehicles in an area producing pollution. Areas with high volumes of traffic have more pollution. Electric vehicles are a great way to reduce pollution on your daily commute or while you are out on the town.
Book a FREE 15 minute appointment to: 1) Find out how Makello can help you. 2) Discuss your energy needs. 3) Get a FREE Energy Savings Estimate.
Jet engines are another source of pollution. The aviation industry is working on electric airplanes and efficiency improvements for new designs. For now, residents in communities impacted by air overflight can take advantage of incentives to purchase new or used Plug-In Vehicles and install solar panels with energy storage batteries. The energy cost savings can be used for indoor air filtration and water purification, among other methods to improve health.
Our maps use a variety of symbols, outlines, colors, labels, etc. to easily depict information. Above, mini airplanes show the flight paths over the Chollas Creek Watershed. Residents under the flight paths are more prone to air and pollution related illnesses.
The rebate programs can be confusing, and finding all the correct data and maps to check for eligibility can be time consuming and prone to errors or misunderstandings. Makello researched the programs and data used to determine eligibility, then developed a program eligibility map for parcel level qualifications. We’ve eliminated several steps and are able to easily show a customer their property’s location in relation to the program criteria. Check out our Service Areas link and get a Free Energy Savings Estimate today.
Up to 100% SGIP Rebate and Tax Incentives qualifiers: Level 2 or 3 High Fire Threat District; Disadvantaged or Low Income Communities; electric well pump; SDG&E Public Safety Power Shut-off events.
Makello is developing GIS services and creating maps useful to the solar power, electric vehicle, and energy storage industries, as well as for our teaming companies, including several non-profit organizations. Maps are an important method for analyzing and presenting data.
We will examine redlining and clean-air technology access by the San Diego African American community in this blog. See the editor’s note below on how we will be using the Census Bureau term African American as defined by the Census Bureau: Race for Residents of African ancestry or birth including both US Citizens and non-US Citizens. For more info on data sources and terminology, references are provided at the end of this article.
Makello works with non profits and other agencies to create maps for Environmental Justice initiatives.
Editors Note: Click to view Makello’s commitment to finding words and methods to accurately represent data while conveying inclusion of the appropriate demographic.
Makello began using maps to analyze data and learn about our community in 2019. From time to time, we intend to share some of the maps we’ve developed but there are challenges to presenting the data accurately and transparently, especially with regards to designations for Race, Identity and Ethnicity.
The US Census counts all people living within the Boundaries of the United States and Territories. The data collected is by Race, not citizenship status. The Census data uses terminology that can easily be misunderstood because of common usage of terms vs. the Census Bureau definition. The Census Bureau meaning of the term is often lost as the data filters down to the public through agencies and businesses.
The Census Bureau uses the terms African American, Asian American, Native American, Hispanic, White and Other to define Race. Citizenship or immigration status is not counted. The loss of context of these words may prevent accurate and full understanding of data. People may feel invisible or may be unintentionally misled.
You may have noted a few potential difficulties in the short list of the terms presented. That is where the struggle lies when attempting to represent residents without being US-Centric or Ethno-centric. Acceptable terminology changes through time, is understood differently in separate regions and countries, by different cultures and ethnicities. Individuals infuse meaning in words based on their life experiences, making classifications difficult.
Maps may focus on a specific demographic for any number of reasons. It can be difficult to adequately portray diversity on the map with charts or graphs. Please refer to the two examples below.
Makello is committed to the difficult task of finding words and methods to accurately represent data while conveying inclusion of the appropriate demographic. We make great effort to research and vet language. Language and identities change. Unfortunately, there is no all encompassing, perfect language for describing people. What one person thinks is a great label and strongly identifies with, the next person may reject or find offensive. We accept open and honest feedback and hope you enjoy the information we present.
African Americans in San Diego are concentrated in southwestern San Diego County.
The first question to answer is where are the communities with 10% or more of the African American residents? A map of the demographic data from the CalEnviroscreen 3.0 is the simplest method of discovery. CalEnviroscreen obtained demographic data from the US Census Bureau and retained the US Census Bureau demographic descriptors in their report. Our map above shows the population is largely concentrated in the area to the east of Downtown San Diego which will be the area we focus on for the purpose of this blog.
Why is the population so heavily concentrated in this area? With a special thanks to University of Richmond’s Digital Scholarship Lab, a look at the 1930s New Deal Era Home Owners’ Loan Corporation Redline Maps may help to answer this question.
The Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (H.O.L.C.) was created during the Great Depression New Deal Era and the program trained many home appraisers in the 1930s. The H.O.L.C. created a neighborhood ranking system known today as redlining. Grades were assigned to residential neighborhoods by local real estate developers and appraisers in over 200 cities. These maps and neighborhood ratings set the rules for decades of real estate practices. The grades ranged from A to D.
The Green Area- Grade A = Best: Always upper-middle-class to upper class White neighborhoods defined as posing minimal risk for banks and other mortgage lenders, as they were “ethnically homogeneous” and had room to be further developed.
The Blue Area- Grade B= Still Desirable: Neighborhoods with all or mostly White, U.S. born residents were defined as sound investments for mortgage lenders.
The Yellow Area- Grade C =Declining: Residential neighborhoods with working class and/or first or second generation immigrants from Europe. The housing stock was typically older and often lacking the current utilities of the day.
The Red Area- Grade D= Hazardous: These neighborhoods were considered to be “infiltrated” with “undesirable populations” such as Jewish, Asian, Mexican, and Black families. The neighborhoods were more likely to be located near industrial areas and the housing stock consisted of older, less well maintained buildings.
Are you ready to save money on solar power, EV charging or Energy Storage? Get an instant quote from Makello!
These grades formed the basis for federally backed mortgages. Many banks refused to lend to areas with the lowest grade, making it impossible for people in these neighborhoods to become homeowners and preventing them from building generational wealth.
As you can see from the map, many of the areas that were labeled undesirable in the 1930s are still the areas where African Americans are concentrated. The practice of redlining has had a long term impact on segments of our community that has yet to be resolved.
1930s redlining still impacts African American communities 90 years later.
Makello is an advocate of green transportation options, providing FREE Energy Savings Estimate services including an analysis of potential electric vehicles to fit your needs, so it was only natural we take a look access to public charging stations African Americans have in the former redlined areas. The results were………….. well, see for yourself.
Less than 10 public electric vehicle charging stations are located within the African American communities.
The data from the US Dept. of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center may be mapped and compared to the CalEnviroscreen Demographic Data. The neighborhoods with the highest concentrations of African American Residents do not have easy access to public electric vehicle charging stations. One consequence is this discourages San Diegans with electric vehicles living outside these communities from driving to businesses in these neighborhoods and spending money. The lack of access to public charging stations also discourages the residents of these neighborhoods from purchasing electric vehicles because they don’t have the ability to conveniently charge their vehicle. This is especially true for multi-unit dwellers where there are structural and parking challenges to overcome when installing EV charging stations. This creates additional barriers to EV ownership, keeping the community from reducing pollution, developing business opportunities, and creating jobs in their neighborhoods.
Book an appointment to receive Makello’s Ethical Energy Savings Report, which is the result of a detailed trade-off study of discount utility rates, grants, rebates, tax credits, and equipment options, to determine the fastest payback and highest return on investment to meet your home, business and vehicle energy needs.
The fee for the Ethical Energy Savings Report is refundable (less the 3rd-Party $15 utility data access charge) or credited towards our installation services, after you attend the presentation meeting and complete a 5 minute survey after permission to operate.
Includes up to 5 hours research by the Makello team, and 1 hour Q&A, by Makello’s Ethical Energy Efficiency Expert.
We’re shifting gears now and will be examining the energy cost burden in the City of San Diego. The energy cost burden data was obtained from the 2019 San Diego Climate Equity Report and overlaid the demographic data from the CalEnviroscreen 3.0. Generally speaking, the energy cost burden was calculated as a weighted average for each census tract and divided by the median household income for each census tract to obtain the energy cost burden score. For more detailed explanation of the energy cost burden, please visit the San Diego Climate Equity Report page.
The white outlined areas in the map posted below have the lowest energy cost as a percentage of Median Household Income and the dark green areas have the highest energy cost burden. Most of the African American San Diegans are in the minty green areas and have an energy cost burden of 1.3%- 2.7%. There is one area with 18-28% of the African American residents and a 4-5.4% energy cost burden.
This cost puts an additional financial strain on those residents with more modest incomes and often prevents the residents from using air conditioning or heaters in bad weather, increasing some health risks especially for elderly and health challenged individuals. Or the residents may use older, less energy efficient equipment, increasing energy cost and pollution.
Energy cost impacting African American communities.
One potential solution for reducing the energy cost burden and pollution is solar energy and battery storage. We mapped solar adoption rates from the San Diego 2019 Climate Equity Index report and again, overlaid the demographic data from CalEnviroscreen 3.0. The areas outlined in white have the least access to solar energy. Many African Americans are living in areas where at best, there are per capita 0.05 solar photovoltaic systems resulting in these residents having a low ability to decrease pollution due to electricity production and consumption in the home, reducing overall energy cost, and protecting against power outages.
African American communities in San Diego have low access to solar energy systems.
Returning to redlining, banks’ historical unwillingness to loan money in these communities have left many residents underbanked and underserved. Solar Systems, Electric Vehicles, Battery Storage Systems are investments that can improve personal finances and the quality of life for anyone that can afford a purchase, or qualify for financing. Beyond traditional loans or leases, community members can use the State of California’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing for home upgrades and energy upgrades. PACE is not a loan and does not appear on an individual’s credit report. PACE funds are repaid on the annual property tax bill.
This concludes our discussion for now. Please stay tuned for additional articles where we take a look at other issues and demographic segments of San Diego Residents.
I was going into my last quarter of undergrad at UCSD when I started interning at Makello. The internship was part of my Senior Project, and I enjoyed working with a diversely skilled team. I worked with people with experience in many fields including software/electrical engineering, solar installation, non-profit organizations, management experience, and GIS systems all united by a common goal: clean energy.
I recently completed my B.S. in Environmental Systems and Earth Sciences with a minor in Marine Sciences. I am pursuing a career to combat climate change to preserve our planet as we know it, but there is also a part of me that feels a societal obligation to help elevate the standard of living (if they want it) for people who do not have equal access to opportunities such as education, community resources, healthy foods, etc. I believe we live in a society to take care of each other, and generally, disadvantaged communities could use additional resources, so I was excited to work with a company that works closely with non-profit organizations, especially non-profits in disadvantaged communities, such as Groundwork San Diego. I am thrilled to be in a position, right out of college, where I can help combat both social and environmental justice.
The Makello Team (left to right) Agustin, Ola, Linda, Charlie
During my internship, we attended many events as both attendees and presenters, sometimes with Groundwork San Diego or our solar installation team. Examples of events were community activities, such as organized runs or home and garden shows, where we would provide information about electric vehicles and solar. We also attended car shows and electric vehicle focused events to stay current with new electric vehicle technology and to help explain their benefits to the public.
Book a FREE 15 minute appointment to: 1) Find out how Makello can help you. 2) Discuss your energy needs. 3) Get a FREE Energy Savings Estimate.
Part of my initial training was how to use solar design and cash flow analysis software, the site survey measurements and the customer’s goals to determine the Optimal System Size. I grew up doing home remodels and renovations during summers, so I enjoyed visiting different homes and seeing different styles of architecture and landscaping throughout San Diego. It was cool to see some existing solar arrays that customers had already installed too. It was also nice to be able to put a face to the customers whose proposals we were working on.
To estimate the production of a designed solar energy system, we used an online program, Aurora Solar. The program allows users to create 3D models of the house and surrounding area . Obstructions like trees or taller buildings could contribute to shading and loss of production. After the site is created, it is then possible to determine the optimal location for the modules, and the system can be designed with different module and inverter combinations and arrays. Then the model can be simulated to estimate the solar production for the first year.
Working on customer proposals and site surveys was my favorite part of the internship because it was a combination of computer design and modeling, hands on physical labor, and critical and analytical thinking. I still enjoy the same work, but now my Research Assistant position is 100% remote because we follow CDC guidelines to keep ourselves and our community safe. We used Makello’s software model to create the custom trade-off study proposals for each customer and automatically generate the correct price, ethically, without sales gimmicks.
Makello’s honesty and knowledge of energy efficiency, utility rates, solar power, electric vehicles, and battery storage, as well as assessing the needs of individual customers and their families, is what drives the high win rate with customer proposals. On more than one occasion, customers wanted to purchase more solar than they needed, or wanted a battery because they believed it would increase cost savings. Using Makello’s model, our team showed that, in fact, a smaller solar system is needed if replacing inefficient appliances, or changing the times the appliances are in use.
It was cool to meet customers and see awesome, unique solar arrays while on site surveys. We took measurements of the site area and roof slopes and evaluated the integrity of the roof, electric panel, and other necessary requirements to install solar. We also observed appliances and lighting and would make suggestions for appliance or behavioral changes to reduce energy consumption and costs.
I was excited to work on a diversely skilled team to create community pages for our website. We ended up creating a valuable tool with important information and graphics for San Diego communities. The pages had GIS Maps that displayed information on a variety of issues such as air quality, electric vehicle charging station locations, rebate eligibility, etc. We also included a list of different rebates and incentives for solar, electric vehicles and battery storage as well as information as to why they are beneficial to the environment and how they can save money. Click here to view the community pages.
With frequent fires and Santa Ana winds setting California ablaze we are in desperate need of emergency power supplies. The fires are coming dangerously close to our sources of electricity and threatening grid shut downs.
2 million Californians were left without power last week and this week that number could get even bigger. It is anticipated that up to 3 million California residents will be without power due to the fires north of LA and the Bay Area.
Having solar on your roof paired with energy storage gives you the freedom to have electricity in the event of an energy crisis or natural disaster.
I met Charlie, the CEO and founder of Makello, during the summer while I was interning at Groundwork San Diego’s EarthLab in partnership with UC San Diego’s Center on Global Justice. While at the EarthLab, I was a college mentor for Groundwork’s High School Green Team. We were learning about electric vehicles, and Charlie was one of the guests who volunteered his time to come speak to us about the benefits, technology, and affordability of Plug-In Vehicles.
Book an appointment to receive Makello’s Ethical Energy Savings Report, which is the result of a detailed trade-off study of discount utility rates, grants, rebates, tax credits, and equipment options, to determine the fastest payback and highest return on investment to meet your home, business and vehicle energy needs.
The fee for the Ethical Energy Savings Report is refundable (less the 3rd-Party $15 utility data access charge) or credited towards our installation services, after you attend the presentation meeting and complete a 5 minute survey after permission to operate.
Includes up to 5 hours research by the Makello team, and 1 hour Q&A, by Makello’s Ethical Energy Efficiency Expert.
The first time I met him was with the Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego. Charlie and other members of the EV Association came to the EarthLab and spoke to us about electric vehicles, their experiences with them, why they loved them, and allowed us to ride along in their vehicles!
Charlie and other members of the Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego met with Groundwork San Diego’s High School Green Team.
Charlie volunteered his time on four occasions during the four week program. The second time I met him, he and Songxuan came to the EarthLab to do a solar and electric vehicle demonstration. We used solar ovens, metal sheets that reflect sunlight into a concentrated location, to heat up solar chili and cornbread. It was so good! He also gave us a quick presentation on “What to Know About Plug-In Vehicles”. The presentation was really cool because he demonstrated how the car, a MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, could be used as a battery bank, using it to power the laptops and monitor, and explained how solar could charge up the car. We also got to look at the battery packs for his converted Plug-In Prius.
During his presentations to us, he acknowledged that he was a small business owner, but never tried to sell us on his products. Instead he explained how the technology worked, why the technology is more environmentally and community friendly, and how the technology could, in fact, be made affordable to families in disadvantaged communities. Solar and electric vehicle adoption contributes to safer, cleaner communities. Less greenhouse gases and smog are emitted from cars and power plants, leading to better air quality in communities.
Makello, Groundwork San Diego, and EVgo grand opening at Northgate Market at 1410 S 43rd St, San Diego, CA 92113; 4 CCS/SAE 50kW and 5 CHAdeMO 50kW EV Chargers.
Book a FREE 15 minute appointment to: 1) Find out how Makello can help you. 2) Discuss your energy needs. 3) Get a FREE Energy Savings Estimate.
Charlie was also at the grand opening of the EVgo public charging stations at Northgate Market in the Chollas Creek Community that Groundwork helped sponsor and EarthLab’s Green Team attended.
The final presentation for my Groundwork San Diego/EarthLab internship that Charlie attended. Also in attendance were UCSD professors, Groundwork San Diego staff, EVgo staff, and Chollas Creek Community members.
Charlie also attended the final presentation for my summer internship at Groundwork San Diego. I appreciated how Charlie volunteered so much of his time to EarthLab and the Green Team, and I could see myself working for someone whose business motivation does not come from maximizing profits, but is rooted in education, conservation, and community well being. I exchanged contact information and soon had an internship with Makello! More information about my Makello internship is available here.
The Mobile Energy Ecosystem provides power to food vendors at Qualcomm Stadium
Wipomo’s Mobile Energy Ecosystem provided off-grid solar power to the Food Truck vendors at the Qualcomm Stadium Swap Meet, while the crowds of visitors enjoyed their meals without the noisy gas generator emissions.
Wipomo’s Mobile Energy Ecosystem provided off-grid solar power to the Food Truck vendors at the Qualcomm Stadium Swap Meet, while the crowds of visitors enjoyed their meals without the noisy gas generator emissions.
During the day, while the sun was shining, the sun provided power to the food truck vendors. After the sun went down, the on-board batteries provided the stored solar energy. When the batteries were depleted, electric vehicles exported power through the micro-grid to keep the party going.
