California Center for Sustainable Energy

In November of 2009,  CCSE  awarded Community HousingWorks (CHW) $412,000 for their  MASH Track 2 proposal to install solar  PV at the 107-unit Las Serenas affordable housing development. CHW will be working with Helio Micro Utility (HmU). The project features cost-reducing benefits, a plan to achieve effective education and outreach, as well as an approach to create employment opportunities for tenants. Residents of this housing development are classified as low or very low income. CHW has an extensive track record for developing affordable housing in the San Diego area using sustainable design principles and practice, including solar  PV on new construction.

With the assistance of MASH Track 2 funds, CHW and HmU propose the installation of a 63 kW AC solar PV facility with 100% of its production going to tenants using Virtual Net Metering. This solar facility will offset approximately 1,000 kWh per unit annually, and save each tenant over a $100 of their anticipated yearly expenses. In addition, with the installation of a performance monitoring system for each inverter, CHW and HmU plan to modify the system to offer free wireless internet access to all residents.

The community outreach plan includes a project kickoff event along with ongoing workshops to increase the awareness and appreciation of solar and energy efficiency among tenants. A system performance monitor will also be placed in a common area, providing tenants with a clear representation of system production, CO2 saved, and conservation tips.

Through Helio University’s Solar Contractor curriculum, Las Serenas tenants will also have the unique opportunity to gain valuable training and, in some cases, job placement in the solar energy industry. With this training program in place, HmU plans to offer hands-one experience by including several tenants in the PV installation. CHW also plans to hire a permanent part-time Solar Maintenance Technician responsible for monitoring and maintaining their multiple solar PV facilities on a continual basis.  Finally, in order to support their ongoing effort to implement a Green curriculum, CHW will create a full-time position responsible for bringing energy education to residents throughout their housing developments.