Clean Energy Milestone: 100,000th Private Solar Array Connected To SDG&E's Power Grid

More than 75 percent of new solar customers using "Fast Track" process

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Dec 06, 2016, 03:17 ET

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As of November 30, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has connected more than 100,000 private rooftop solar systems to its reliable power grid. This milestone comes as the company reports in November it connected 1,942 residential customer rooftops.

"Connecting 100,000 private solar rooftops is a clean energy milestone worth celebrating and signifies this community's commitment to increasing energy from sources that help reduce our environmental impact for the benefit of future generations," said Caroline Winn, SDG&E's chief energy delivery officer. "It is our job and commitment to expand access to clean energy innovation that delivers cleaner air for our customers. As part of this commitment, we are the top investor-owned utility in America for renewable energy sales. Our effort also extends to our ongoing work to aggressively expand electric vehicle charging to allow more of our consumers to drive on sunshine."

In addition, more than 75 percent of new private solar customers are taking advantage of SDG&E's Fast Track application process. By selecting Fast Track customers are able to interconnect their private solar panels the same day the city or county approves their facility. The streamlined process has helped make the solar installation process easier for customers by eliminating the need of an additional inspection by SDG&E.

The energy company has also made efforts to make the solar installation process safer, faster and more affordable through advancements in technology. A highlight of this effort is the SDG&E-invented Renewable Meter Adapter, which helps customers avoid thousands of dollars on electrical panel upgrades that are typically required when installing solar on homes built before 1995. Nearly 5,000 customers have taken advantage of this innovative device, avoiding a cumulative $5 million in the cost to install private solar.

To learn more about SDG&E's private solar program visit SDGE.com/NEM.

SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides safe, reliable, clean energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and Southern Orange Counties. More than 4,300 employees work to provide the most reliable and clean energy in the West. The company has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for leadership in addressing climate change, was the first to meet California's goal of delivering 33 percent of energy from renewable sources, has fueled the adoption of electric vehicles and energy efficiency through unique customer programs, and supports more than 600 non-profit partners. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego. For more information, visit sdge.com/newsroom or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.