We hoped KPBS would help us to inform the public in a timely manner about the difficulty of navigating the PPP program especially for minority owned and small businesses. Due to other media demands, KPBS was not able to publish this at an earlier date.
After many hours of work in reaching out to SBA banks, agents, and bank VIPs, Makello was able to secure grant funds. These funds are allowing us to reach out to underserved communities with an Energy Upgrades Lifeline, that will provide solar power, plug-in vehicles, and storage solutions for eligible customers, to improve cash flow.
We know other business owners were shut out of PPP loans. We want them to know there are other funding options available such as Energy Upgrades LIFELINEs for businesses.
Includes up to 5 hours of research, modeling and processing of applications for Grants, Rebates, Tax Credits, Discounts, Promotions and Subsidies, for San Diego businesses.
For Makello’s customers, the journey may begin with solar power, however, “The Road to Energy Independence” can include plug-in vehicles and energy storage.
Includes up to 5 hours of research, modeling and processing of applications for Grants, Rebates, Tax Credits, Discounts, Promotions and Subsidies, for San Diego businesses.
Welcome to Makello
Energy Upgrades LIFELINE- Hurry Before It’s Too Late!
Pandemic stressing out the family finances? Turn your home and vehicle into a clean energy emergency fund!
Getting laid-off is stressful even in the best of times. In the midst of a pandemic, job loss and financial surprises can drain your savings account fast. Did you know that whether or not you have an existing solar energy system, you can tap into a combination of upgrade incentives and financing that can return money to you. A Solar, Plug-In Vehicle and Energy Storage lifeline!
Recently, a solar-powered homeowner asked Makello to quote adding a Level 2 electric car charger for their Nissan Leaf, an installation often priced at $500 or less. Most solar companies refuse to take these small jobs as they are unprofitable for the installer.
But at Makello, we look at things differently. We know from experience that with the dizzying array of Solar Power, Plug-In vehicle, and Energy Storage incentives and energy cost savings, energy upgrades can pay for themselves. When the homeowner shared that their rooftop solar was installed for free under a low-income residential solar program (SASH), and that they had been laid off due to the pandemic, we started crunching numbers to see what we could do.
We offered a plan to improve the homeowner’s cash flow and create a 6-month emergency reserve fund out of available incentives.
As you can see in the savings over time graph, the system is cash flow positive every year, meaning lower annual cost, through the term of the PACE financing, and then savings accelerates.
Incentive Finder – Makello’s own GIS mapping database uses the home’s geographic location to determine eligibility for a wide variety of energy upgrade grants, rebates, discounts and tax credits.
Optimize Upgrade – Makello’s own Energy Analysis software shows the optimal Solar, EV, and Energy Storage upgrade plan, for the eligible incentives. In California, benefits such as emergency backup power for home and vehicles, water pumps, air-conditioning, air-purifying and fire-fighting equipment can all be worked into the upgrade plan. In this case, Makello showed that a larger upgrade would tap into $23,448 in incentives, and give the homeowner more solar, energy storage, a second EV and Level 2 charger.
PACE program financing – The State of California offers a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing plan. Homeowners can qualify based on a recent tax return or pay stubs. The financing does not appear on a credit report, is not considered a loan, does not trigger a property reassessment, and can transfer to the next home buyer.
Create a 6-month financial ‘lifeline’ – Makello’s “Lifeline” incentive payment program tracks the incentives and requirements, and allows the homeowner to choose the best time to draw on their earned incentives. In the example used here, a homeowner can decide after receiving the up front incentives to purchase a new or used Plug-In Vehicle, further reducing their monthly costs, or pay their most urgent bills, such as mortgage, food, and medical.
Makello’s GIS mapping database, uses county parcel location to help homeowners determine eligibility for a wide variety of solar programs. We also use mapping to help non-profit organizations to design programs in disadvantaged communities that promote solar energy and electric vehicle incentives for economic and environmental benefit.
Makello works with non profits and other agencies to create maps for Environmental Justice initiatives.
How the PACE Program works:
The PACE program is intended for those that can demonstrate the ability to pay. Homeowners provide a recent tax return or a pay stubs for income verification, and credit check, and Makello provides the Energy Analysis to show that the energy efficiency project will be cash flow positive.
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.
PACE financing ranges from 5 to 30 years term for solar, 10 years for Energy Storage, and can be used for other energy efficiency improvements, such as electric panel upgrade, EV Charging, and a long list of energy efficiency upgrades. PACE can be as low as $0 down. It provides tax deductible interest.
For our homeowner in this example, Simple Payback is possible in 3.7 years through Annual Energy Cost Savings. That means it’s a good deal for a cash purchase or loan. For those on a fixed income, traditional loans might not be a viable option. In the cases where PACE financing is Cash Flow Positive, we can present the PACE option as an alternative to traditional loans and leases.
Makello provides full disclosure about PACE terms and program information, as well as programs offered through banks and credit unions. Please contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss the alternatives.
There are a lot of variables surrounding the use of a solar power system, and you may have wondered if solar is a better option for your home. While a lot of talk has circulated in regards to the supposed benefits and value of solar, as well as overall function, there is good news for anyone residing within the San Diego, California area – we have calculated the variables of solar power for you.
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.
Would you buy 25 years of solar power based on your Last Year Use, knowing that lower cost energy efficiency solutions to replace the inefficient water pumps, A/C, incandescent lighting and 10 year old appliances can cut the system size in half? The up front cost savings of energy efficiency can pay for emergency backup power.
The power source of your entire household is one of the most important considerations of home ownership. And, rather than hanging you out to dry, we have resolved to answering the most important, nagging questions: “is solar worth it” and “what is it going to cost”. Rather than wasting hours upon hours playing detective, we have summed up the most important information you need in order to make an informed decision about solar, for your family.
The Initial Cost
For the average residential system, typically purchased within the San Diego area, a 6 kilowatt installation is recommended. For this article, we are going to utilize the available data in order to provide an initial overview of cost for as many curious people as possible. With this in mind, the upfront cost of installation generally starts around $19,200 before incentives. The total price is based on an average cost of $3.20 per watt.
Are you ready to save money on solar power, EV charging or Energy Storage? Get an instant quote from Makello!
Incentives of Solar
Once you take available federal tax credits into consideration, the total cost drops considerably – once the 26% discount is taken into account. The initial quote immediately drops to $14,200 with the aforementioned savings. The most important detail to take note of, is that the credit is for individuals who actually purchase their own solar system.
No doubt you have heard or seen advertisements from a variety of solar companies, offering leases, in addition to Power Purchase Agreements, if you find yourself in the market. The issue surrounding promotions such as these is that, because a separate company owns the solar system, the consumer will not receive the tax credit if they are leasing – the solar company does. These types of agreements typically mean, however, that the developer is solely responsible for the overall upkeep of the system, in addition to the financing arrangement and installation. The consumer is simply charged a fixed rate for their consumption of solar power.
Many leasing companies do not install reverse tilt modules, pole mount, awning, carport or ground mount.
Because, realistically, families do not have $19,200 in cash at their disposal for the purchase of a new solar system, loan or leasing may be a viable option. The leasing situation isn’t much different when compared to that of a utility company, aside from the fact that the rates are a bit more affordable. Aside from the benefit of lower rates, the savings from leasing are consistently lower once compared to the outright purchase of your own solar power system by cash or loan. However, when a lease is your only option, it is worth time spent researching solar companies that offer a lease-to-own alternative to leasing. Benefits might include lower payments, in addition to benefits beyond the 26% federal tax credit, such as additional tax incentives.
Differences in Solar Energy Systems
When analyzing a typical solar system, the monthly average is 800 kWh (kilowatt hours). This number is based off of a 6kW system producing an annual average of 9,600 kWh in the first year. While these rates can change significantly with more advanced solar systems, which offer higher installed system capacity, these systems are able to produce 8% to 20% more kWh per watt. Along with the long-term savings increase, and a higher initial investment, homeowners will observe an overall decrease in length of pay off.
San Diego Utility Pricing System
As we watch rates continuing to climb throughout the San Diego area, the pricing system has integrated a slew of fundamental alterations. Even the way utility companies price power overall has faced significant changes, at least up until 2016. Before 2016, homes were based on a 4-tier pricing system in order to classify homes in a more affordable manner. Prior to 2017 it was changed to a 3-tier system and, currently, we stand at a 2-tier cost structure as rates continue to rise. “Super user” surcharges have also been imposed for households deemed beyond tier 2.
Annual Savings
Solar offers a significant advantage over tiered pricing systems, and assists in saving money on subsequent monthly bills. Considering how they are San Diego’s largest coastal and inland electricity providers; we have based our calculations on SDG&E’s residential pricing system.
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.
Before installing a solar system, households typically consume an average of 800kWh per month, or an annual 9,600kWh. Because a residence generally consumes more power after installation, potential savings tend to range from 9,600 to 12,000kWh. Homeowners living within inland San Diego can expect, by our calculations, to save upwards of $4,000 each year. However, in coastal San Diego, the savings decreases a tad with the moderate coastal climate, topping out at $3,000 annually. Essentially, your solar system would pay for itself in around 3-4 years, assuming a 6% annual average increase in SDG&E utility rates.
A Bit More Consideration
Although this brief rundown only begins to illustrate the feasible savings presented by a new solar power system, savings may be influenced by additional factors. The size of your system, requiring a larger installation, offers further annual savings, and enables the system to make recompense for itself. Every homeowner, interested in solar, should take it upon themselves to study the topic further, before deciding to opt for a solar system.
Overheated attic lofts and bedrooms can cool off under the shade of a solar array, reducing A/C and fan loads.
