The Clean Energy Initiative (CEI) of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Community Development Action Coalition (HBCU CDAC), is bringing more cost-efficient solar savings, clean energy access and advanced energy technology to underserved residential neighborhoods. These 14 no-cost solar systems are all installed on owner-occupied low-to-moderate-income homes, with installations by Southern Energy Management using SolarEdge inverter and monitoring technologies.
To date, 10 solar systems have been installed in Greensboro, North Carolina, with four installations in progress in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. These projects are part of a national initiative spearheaded by HBCU CDAC, which was charged by the Department of Energy (DOE) to increase awareness and equitable access to clean energy solutions through the direct engagement of the nation’s HBCUs and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). In the Spring and Summer of 2021, HBCU CDAC identified HBCU North Carolina A&T (NCA&T) University in the City of Greensboro as the first university for community-based deployment in North Carolina.
Southern Energy Management (SEM), was chosen as a local installation partner through HBCU CDAC’s evaluation process, due to its status as a Certified B Corporation, the company’s 20 years of experience with the local solar industry, and its good working relationship with local community partners. Powered by the funding and community partnerships of HBCU CDAC, SEM installed SolarEdge systems on the homes of 10 low-to-moderate-income residents in Greensboro at no-cost to the homeowners.
“Our efforts with HBCU CDAC & SolarEdge are not only helping move the needle for North Carolina’s clean energy industry, but reducing the gap in clean energy access. We are thrilled to expand our collaboration with this innovative program, where we can increase homeowners’ access to clean, affordable energy and create cost-savings solutions in the communities that need it most,” said Bob Kingery, co-founder and CEO of Southern Energy Management.
Each installation includes SolarEdge optimizers, inverters and consumption and production monitoring applications, allowing homeowners to track solar usage and savings in real-time. By aggregating the SolarEdge monitoring data, HBCU CDAC will be able to demonstrate measurable impact within the community and advocate for funding to grow the program across the country. The systems that are completed so far are covering an average of 76% of the homeowner’s electricity usage through May of this year.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Southern Energy Management to support this valuable initiative to offer HBCU CDAC a product solution that enables the program’s participants to dramatically reduce their energy expenses, while becoming more energy resilient,” said Peter Mathews, North America general manager of SolarEdge.
News item from SolarEdge
