Residential Solar Workshop

On October 18, 2019, the City partnered with EcoMotion and the South Bay Cities Council of Governments to host its first-ever Residential Solar Workshop. In case you missed this incredible workshop and would like more information on the process of installing solar on your home, you may download the Residential Solar Workshop presentation (PDF).

Download the Residential Solar Workshop presentation (PDF)

City Steps toward Energy Efficiency

The City has taken steps towards reducing its impact on the climate by implementing various energy efficiency measures, such as replacing several existing traffic signals with LED lighting, replacing existing City vehicles with low-emission vehicles where feasible, adopting a Green Purchasing Plan, a municipal Climate Action Plan, and conducted a Level III energy audit to identify how to make our buildings and facilities more energy efficient. These actions show the community that the City can be a leader in energy efficiency and emissions reductions. While these actions have had an impact on the City’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, in order to reduce our carbon footprint to the level needed to meet the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection goal the City will need to enact several greenhouse gas reduction measures.

Residential Solar Resources

As you can see through maps of solar permitting in the City of Manhattan Beach, "going solar" is a popular option for many residents and businesses.  "Going solar" is a great way to reduce an energy bill and carbon footprint, but before installing a large solar panel array, take some steps to make your property more energy efficient first. Several resources are available to assist in going solar.

Once ready to install solar, take advantage of financial incentives for installing eligible photovoltaic systems through SCE's partnership in the California Solar Initiative. In addition, federal tax credits are available for solar energy systems. Refer to the Energy Star program for more information on federal tax credits. 

You can begin your solar process by getting an estimate on your proposed project from solar installers operating in the area. Visit the Go Solar Database to find contact information for solar installers, contractors, and retailers that have registered with the California Solar Initiative program.

For more information and energy incentives check out the South Bay Council of Government's website. 

Energy Efficiency for your Home

Looking for ways to cut back on your energy consumption? Saving energy will reduce your utility bills, and your carbon footprint! Several resources are available to help you meet your goals:

The Energy Coalition educates and empowers communities to change the way they think about and use energy.

The California Energy Commission is the State's primary energy policy and planning agency.

Southern California Gas Company offers rebates, incentives, and training programs to help save energy and money.  

Southern California Edison offers residential and business Energy Guides with tips on conserving energy and reducing your bill.

Easy low-cost and no-cost ways to save energy:

• Install a programmable thermostat to lower utility bills and manage your heating and cooling systems efficiently.
• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.
• Turn things off when you are not in the room such as lights, TVs, entertainment systems, computers and monitors.
• Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use—TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power.
• Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F.
• Take short showers instead of baths and use low-flow shower heads for additional energy savings.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
• Air dry clothes.
• Check to see that windows and doors are closed when heating or cooling your home.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on light bulbs, home appliances, electronics, and other products. ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Please direct questions to the City's Environmental Sustainability Division at (310) 802-5508.

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