As an increasing number of Californians join the effort to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, many households and businesses are looking into rooftop solar options. Installing solar panels is a great way to offset your electricity-related carbon footprint and reduce your electricity costs, but for many of us rooftop solar may not be a practical option due to cost, installation logistics, or simply lacking access to a roof that is ideal for solar.

“When rooftop solar did not seem like a viable option for us we began looking for other solutions. The MCE Deep Green plan allows us to source solar, wind and biogas electricity without added infrastructure on our property.” -Chris Lauf, Director at Sienna Ranch

Here are the top five reasons why opting up to MCE’s Deep Green 100% renewable energy is a great alternative to installing rooftop solar:

1. No Installation Required: When you opt up to Deep Green there is simply an additional line item on your electricity bill, meaning there is no need for you to install additional equipment around your home or business.

2. It’s Carbon Free: MCE’s Deep Green electricity service is sourced from 50% wind and 50% solar energy, providing customers in MCE’s service area with a simple and cost-effective way to invest in a carbon-free future and a healthier community. Even customers who already have rooftop solar can further reduce their carbon footprint by choosing Deep Green to supplement the energy their solar panels generate.

3. It’s Less Expensive: Deep Green costs about $5.50 a month extra for the average residential customer, at just $0.0125 more per kilowatt hour than MCE’s standard Light Green 60% renewable energy service.

“Our business is giving advice to organizations who want to switch to solar and renewables, but as a small business renting in an office building, putting solar on the roof wasn’t an option for us. Thanks to MCE, wind and solar can power our business too.” -Jordan Bowen, Safe Renewable Energy Consulting Business Development Manager

4. It Supports Local Renewable Projects: Half of the Deep Green premium goes towards MCE’s Local Renewable Projects and Programs Development Fund, so when you purchase renewable energy, you’re also supporting development of local renewable projects and energy programs in MCE’s service area.

Deep Green customers have already helped contribute to many renewable energy projects, including one of the Bay Area’s largest public-private solar partnerships, award-winning MCE Solar One, a 10.5 megawatt solar farm producing enough energy to power over 3,900 homes annually.*

5. Environmental Certifications: When you choose Deep Green it can help your business attain LEED, Climate Registry, and Bay Area Green Business certifications.

Now that you have the reasons, here’s some answers to questions you may still have:

Am I in MCE’s Service Area?
All customer accounts in MCE’s service area are eligible to opt up to Deep Green 100% renewable energy. This includes all of Marin and Napa Counties, unincorporated Contra Costa County, unincorporated Solano County, and the cities and towns of Benicia, Concord, Danville, El Cerrito, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Pinole, Pittsburg, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek.

To find if MCE provides service to your area, just enter your zip code here.

How Are Deep Green Customers Billed?
The cost of your renewable energy will show up on your regular monthly PG&E bill. On the MCE-specific page of your bill you will see an additional line item indicating your charge for Deep Green at just $0.0125 more per kilowatt hour.

Learn more about how to opt up to Deep Green!

*Based on the projected annual output of MCE Solar one and the average residential usage within MCE’s service area.