Solara: Solar-Powered Affordable Housing in San Diego County, CA

In spring 2007, an innovative green affordable housing complex located in the city of Poway, in Northern San Diego County, CA, was completed. A collaboration between Community Housing Works, a non-profit housing developer, the Poway Redevelopment Agency and Global Green USA, the complex will be the first net zero energy housing in California. This 56-apartment complex will be 100%-powered by rooftop photovoltaics, at times sending more power into the grid than it needs (thus “net zero energy”). Under the county’s innovative “zero utility allowance,” residents, who are able to rent the apartments at substantially below market rates, will have no energy bills to pay. The rooftops of this multi-unit housing contain 141 kw of photovoltaic panels, and per the conditions of the city, cannot be seen from street level.

The apartments incorporate a number of other green elements, including use of non-toxic paints, energy efficient appliances and water saving plumbing, use of recycled materials, and a landscape plan that includes “no mow” grass and native species of trees (and a citrus grove, as well). The complex also includes a community center, office space, and is located near public transit. Residents are encouraged to walk to nearby shops and each unit has been given their own metal shopping cart.Housing County work has also commissioned the preparation of a Green Curriculum for the community, a green management/maintenance guide, and also require all residents to attend a pre-occupancy briefing on the green features of the neighborhood.

The PV panels added $1.1 million to the cost of the project, but was funded in creative ways.Financing was provided in part through the California Energy Commission’s Zero Energy New Homes program with a federal solar energy tax credit. One innovative aspect of the financing is the participation of National Equity Fund, who raised a significant part of the funding ($208,000) by syndicating equity in the solar credits—essentially selling them for affordable housing tax credits.

Global Green USA points out the ultimate and impressive green benefits from Solara:

The end result: SOLARA has the lowest carbon footprint of any apartment complex in California, 95 percent lower than a conventionally powered community, avoiding more than 1800 tons of carbon dioxide each year. That is the equivalent to planting 5,446 trees or taking 300 cars off the road annually. (Global Green, 2007, p. 1).