News Room » Solar Richmond Promotes Clean Energy and Green Jobs Through R3
“Richmond is a very lucky city because we’ve been given this opportunity,” said Marichu Rafael, a Richmond homeowner of nearly 20 years, about the Richmond Recovery Rebate (R³) program.
Solar Richmond is conducting a 2011-2012 marketing campaign for the City of Richmond’s R³ program, which gives homeowners rebates for solar installations and energy efficiency upgrades. The program’s goal is to enroll over 250 homeowners.
Marichu signed up for R³ after a Solar Richmond presentation at her neighborhood council meeting. Though retired, Marichu has had to work several part-time jobs between caring for her grandchildren and sick husband.
“I’ll be very glad to join this program because at least I will not be paying so much for electricity, and I’ll be able to save money and add value to my home,” she said.
Eddie Wiltz installs solar through R³ program.
Since September, Solar Richmond has attended over 40 community events, co-organized workshops, conducted neighborhood canvassing, trained youth interns in marketing and has collaborated with community groups to spread the word about R³.
Richmond homeowner Amber Rich who recently enrolled in the program said it also felt good to know R³ requires local RichmondBUILD and Solar Richmond labor.
“The only way Richmond is going to start to turn around is to give people job skills and confidence,” she said.
For more information about R³, visit www.richmondenvironment.org.
