Funds Diverted from Solar Program to Dem Activism

CAL DOGE reports $928M from CA solar program used for Democratic voter activities.

$928M taken from solar panel program and pumped into Dem. voting activism, CAL DOGE claims

CAL DOGE claims nearly $1 billion meant for California’s solar panel program was funneled into Democratic voter registration and activism. A report released today says $928 million from gas taxes and electric bills intended for apartment solar panels went to left-leaning groups.

SOMAH, or Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing, was created by AB 693 in 2015 and receives up to $100 million a year from cap and trade auction proceeds. CAL DOGE says only 269 projects totaling $72 million have been completed.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton, who leads in recent polls, demanded an accounting. “$928 million has been stolen. Your money. Do you know where it’s gone? Voter registration by leftist groups supporting the Democratic Party. It is an absolute scandal,” he said.

The report accuses SOMAH partners of “double dipping on public funds while building a left-wing activist machine in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.” GRID Alternatives serves as program administrator, while the California Environmental Justice Alliance (CEJA) acts as a subcontractor. CEJA’s related 501(c)(4) group, CEJA Action, mobilized minority voters in 2024 and endorsed 24 progressive candidates. CAL DOGE says this setup channels public funds into partisan activity.

CAL DOGE Director Jenny Rae Le Roux said the program promised lower utility bills, but rates have more than doubled for Californians who did not participate in the program. She added that federal funding pulled by the Trump administration in August 2025 remains unaccounted for.

CAL DOGE is calling for a full audit of SOMAH’s outreach and education spending, including subcontractors and pass-through payments. SOMAH did not return requests for comment.