Sunrun completed three new solar installations at affordable apartment communities in Orange County, California. Collectively, the new rooftop solar projects will provide monthly utility bill savings to approximately 800 low-income residents. Sunrun installed the solar systems in partnership with affordable housing providers at Arroyo Vista, Villa Plumosa, and Yorba Linda Palms apartment complexes.
In total, the systems will provide 748 kW of electricity, offsetting approximately 80% to 90% of the communities’ energy usage. Through virtual net metering, each of the 156 apartment homes at Arroyo Vista is receiving approximately $60 in monthly energy bill savings.
Due to energy inflation and three years of approved utility rate hikes for San Diego Gas & Electric, Arroyo Vista residents will likely save even more over time. Over the next 20 years, Sunrun’s solar installation at Arroyo Vista is projected to collectively save the low-income renters over $3.5 million on their electric bills.
“We are so proud to be cutting energy bills for hundreds of hard-working residents in Southern California,” said Sunrun President and Chief Revenue Officer Paul Dickson. “This project is another example of how Sunrun is making solar energy—and the resulting savings—available to homeowners and renters of all income levels.”
Project commemoration
To commemorate the three projects, Sunrun executives joined Rep. Kim, other state and county elected officials, and Eden Housing’s CEO for a ribbon cutting event at the recently completed 1,120 solar panel installation at Arroyo Vista apartment complex in Mission Viejo. All three projects are located in California’s 40th Congressional District, which U.S. Rep. Young Kim represents.
“Rooftop solar energy in affordable housing communities I represent lowers utility bills for hardworking families struggling with rising living costs, creates local jobs here at home, and promotes U.S. energy dominance around the world,” said Rep. Young Kim. “I appreciate Sunrun’s work in our Southern California communities and will keep doing all I can to make life more affordable.”
“Affordable housing is deeply needed in this part of Southern California and we are grateful to partner with Sunrun to make Arroyo Vista even more affordable for our residents through energy bill savings,” said Linda Mandolini, president and CEO of Eden Housing. “Supporting clean energy while also helping families stretch their hard-earned dollars is a win-win collaboration for our communities.”
Sunrun SOMAH projects
The solar installation at the Villa Plumosa apartment complex, located in Yorba Linda, is also completed and operating, providing 76 affordable apartment homes with nearly $60 in monthly energy bill savings through virtual net metering. The new solar project at nearby Yorba Linda Palms will be operational this summer and will provide the complex’s 44 affordable apartment homes with over $75 in monthly energy savings.
The projects participated in the state’s Solar On Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) program and the Low-Income Communities Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program, allowing residents to enjoy the benefits of solar energy at no cost to them. State funding for the three projects comes from polluters who purchase greenhouse gas allowances under the state’s cap-and-trade program.
“SOMAH projects bring affordable, clean energy to hard working families who need it most, by significantly cutting monthly electricity bills,” said Lawrence Goldenhersh, President of the Center for Sustainable Energy, one of the SOMAH program administrators. “By lowering energy costs, we’re helping parents keep their homes running, care for their children, and protect their family’s health — creating lasting stability and opportunity for communities across California.”
Sunrun currently serves more than 21,000 households in low-income multifamily properties. The solar projects create economic activity in their respective communities through significant investments at the time of installation, employment, and the ongoing financial benefits provided to renters.
Tags: commercial and industrial, Sunrun
