LAKE COUNTY, CA – In an effort to ease the burden of high utility costs and to help the environment, North Coast Energy Services (NCES) will be offering free solar electric systems – including installation and home weatherization – to qualifying homeowners in Lake and Mendocino counties.

This pilot program, funded by the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is offered at no cost to qualifying homeowners.

Qualification is based on the number of people in the home and current (within the previous six weeks at time of application) income.

Number of people    Monthly

in the home              income

1                              $2,482

2                              $3,246

3                              $4,010

4                              $4,774

In addition to income, the roof of the home must be in good shape and not be flat. Mobile homes are not eligible in this pilot program.

Between Lake and Mendocino counties, 50 homes can be retrofitted with solar electric systems on a first-come, first-served basis.

NCES is a nonprofit organization that provides utility bill assistance and weatherization programs in seven Northern California counties, including Lake and Mendocino.

NCES will utilize two licensed contractors based in Mendocino County for this program, Real Goods and Gaia Energy Systems, to install the solar electric systems and provide home weatherization.

For more information on this program and to request an application, contact Linda McQueen or Glenna Gaches at 707-463-0303, or 966 Mazzoni St., Ukiah.

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