CLEARLAKE>>> North Coast Opportunities, Inc. is thrilled to announce $2.3 million in funding to put in action SolarCHILL, a project integrating workforce development and extreme temperature resilience for eligible residents. This initiative was selected through a competitive process led by the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program (EHCRP), part of the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI).
With this funding, SolarCHILL will take on the growing challenges of extreme weather in Lake County. The project will install solar-powered mini-split systems in the homes of seniors and people with chronic health conditions, with special attention to elders from the Middletown
Rancheria of Pomo Indians. At the same time, it will offer hands-on training and job pathways for local residents, helping build a stronger, more resilient community while supporting clean energy careers.
“The Middletown Rancheria appreciates the opportunity to work with NCO to bring this technology into our tribal elder households. We see this as another opportunity to further develop the Tribe’s renewable energy technology,” shared Jose “Moke” Simon, Chairman, Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California. “By installing these solar mini splits onto the homes of our most vulnerable population, we help improve their safety and well-being during extreme heat events in this region.”
“California is taking aggressive action to protect residents from the impacts of extreme heat and build resilience in our most vulnerable communities,” said Samuel Assefa, Director of the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI). “With lives on the line each summer, the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program will provide critical infrastructure investments in heat vulnerable communities.”
This project has three main objectives:
• Climate-Resilient Homes for Vulnerable Residents: The project will install 45 solar powered mini-split heating and cooling units in the homes of seniors and individuals with chronic health conditions. These installations will provide safe, energy-efficient alternatives during extreme weather events, helping residents stay in their homes while reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Workforce Development and Green Job Creation: Through hands-on training, workshops, and certification programs within the NCO BUILD program, SolarCHILL will equip local residents with Solar Installation Certificates and connect them to employment opportunities in the growing clean energy sector.
• Tribal Leadership and Community Engagement: A Tribal SolarCHILL Director will lead outreach and coordination efforts in partnership with Middletown Rancheria, the City of Clearlake, and the County of Lake. The project will engage both Tribal and non-Tribal communities through education, resource sharing, and collaborative planning to strengthen climate action, disaster preparedness, and social cohesion.
This initiative is part of a statewide effort to empower communities like Lake County to promote long-lasting infrastructure solutions, while also strengthening communities’ resilience to extreme heat. This project and grant were developed with the support of the Red Cross Community Adaptation Program, whose collaboration helped shape the work grounded in the priorities and resilience of the Lake County community.
“SolarCHILL is a practical solution to a serious challenge,” said Dan McIntire, CEO of North Coast Opportunities, Inc. “We’re helping vulnerable residents stay safe in their homes during extreme heat, while also creating opportunities for local people to gain valuable skills and build careers in
clean energy. This project reflects the power of collaboration—with Tribal partners, local government, and community organizations all working together to build a stronger, more resilient Lake County.”
The investment in Lake County is one of 47 grants receiving $32 million collectively to take action to protect against the public health impacts of extreme heat. Learn more about the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program on the LCI website.
