The question “What if we go green all the way with this one?” became the genesis point for a project that would pull from every known aspect of sustainable design and redefine the way affordable housing developments are executed, according to Steve Kircher, CEO of Solar Power, Inc.
The development incorporate the intelligent use of green building materials, as well as serving as a model for energy efficiency in building design. Energy goals called for the development to zero out annual utility electricity costs through the on-site production of electricity by way of a photovoltaic solar system.
SOLARA would be a first of its kind.
Mr. Kircher’s staff coordinated with Community HousingWorks personnel to meet this extraordinary challenge. “From day one, all parties involved planned on using photovoltaic solar power to meet on-site electric demand,” says Mary Jane Jagodzinski, Senior Project Manager with Community Housing Works. “This development is 360 degrees green,” says Ms. Jagodzinski.
“All systems were designed to ensure we would need the least amount of solar power possible to meet onsite demand. Solar Power, Inc. played an integral role. In charge of the system’s design and installation, they worked closely with SOLARA’s architect, the general contractor and interdepartmental agencies within the City of Poway to achieve the final design.”
The development was used as a model by the city for establishing guidelines for subsequent multifamily housing projects involving PV solar power systems in Poway.
In accordance with current San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and California PUC regulations and requirements, each unit has an individual electricity meter operating on a net metering arrangement.
The total 142 kW PV system, which is located on the roof of each building and most of the carports, functions as 63 separate PV arrays with 64 separate inverters and 63 meters serving 56 units and common areas. Most of the cost of the PV system and energy efficiency upgrades to the project has been covered by state and federal programs available to affordable housing developers.
“We are happy to have such an important role in this project,” says Mr. Kircher. “The fact that photovoltaic solar power is the main source of electrical power in a development of this type and scope reinforces the growing need for and acceptance of solar power as a mainstream renewable energy source across the country.”
SOLARA was also the first development in California to be delivered under the California Energy Commission’s Zero Energy New Homes program. Other major collaborators with developer/owner Community HousingWorks include the City of Poway and San Diego Gas & Electric.
“By design, as an affordable housing development, SOLARA places low-cost, high-efficiency energy where it is needed most,” says Ted Bardacke, Senior Associate with Global Green USA the green advisor to Community HousingWorks for SOLARA.
“SOLARA will provide low-cost energy to the low-income families fortunate enough to live here. The fact that those living here will also have significantly smaller carbon footprints than their neighbors is another important community benefit residents can be proud of.”
The project officially broke ground in 2005 and was completed in late March, 2007. SOLARA became fully occupied in April, 2007 and is the first apartment project to be part of SDG&E’s sustainable communities program. This unique development continues to win awards and garner national recognition as a ground breaking model for sustainable design and energy efficiency.
According to Ms. Jagodzinski, “The big story about SOLARA is that it works. We’ve proven that a green development can achieve very broad goals, including energy independence.”
