Rialto Grandmother Goes Solar

Homeowner Pamela Whyte is the sole breadwinner of her household with two adult children and one grandchild. She has been a community organizer for over 30 years in the City of Rialto and recently received a 13 panel 3.7 kW solar electric system. She said her household bills on average exceeded $300 and she is elated at the reduction she will soon enjoy on her electric bills thanks to GRID. “I am on a fixed income so utilizing power while saving money is a great advantage to me,” she said. “I am always looking for ways to save.”

City of Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson paid a visit to the Whyte solar installation and expressed her appreciation to GRID staff and volunteers for their continued hard work and the economic impact that GRID continues to have in her city. “GRID has really made a difference in our community, particularly with our senior citizens,” said Mayor Deborah Robertson. “If you are a homeowner trying to make ends meet, you should call GRID and see if you qualify for their no-cost program.” Since 2011, GRID has installed 65 no cost solar systems for income-qualified families in Rialto.

Whyte is actively involved in many capacities including the Perris Chamber of Commerce, PTA and various local neighborhood organizations and is excited to share the news. “My experience with GRID has been great and I will definitely be telling my family and friends,” said Whyte. Homeowners can earn a $200 bonus through GRID’s Referral Reward Program for those qualified recipients they refer that get solar through GRID.

Funding sources for Ms. Whyte’s system include the Single-family Affordable Solar Homes Program (SASH), state and corporate grants, as well as individual donors throughout the Inland Empire region. Additional funding sources promote GRID’s job training initiatives that offer free training and in some cases paid internships. For more information about GRID’s solar programs, visit www.gridsolar.org or call 951.465.2864.