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Deal Spotlight

Bringing No-Cost Solar Power to Residents of LMI Communities

0 kWh
Projected lifetime energy production
0 metric tons
Lifetime GHG savings

The Building

Building type
Institutional

Building profile
3 houses of worship

Location
Washington, DC

Project type
Solar PV

NYCEEC loan product
PPA

Term
8 years

Closing date
November 2020

The Project

Sunlight General Capital, a solar developer and investor, owns and operates solar PV projects across three sites owned by houses of worship in Washington, DC.  Each of the three sites is in or serves low-to-moderate income (LMI) communities.

The projects were originated and developed by Groundswell Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit that develops solar projects and programs for underserved communities.

Groundswell and Sunlight General installed rooftop, carport mounted, and ground mounted solar PV arrays for the three projects.  The non-profit houses of worship that own the sites will receive lease payments allowing them to continue to serve their communities with stronger income flows.

Working with the DC Department of Energy & Environment’s (DOEE) Solar for All program, the power generated at the projects will be delivered to 103 families in Washington at no cost.  In order to be eligible for the Solar for All program, the LMI participants must meet certain income requirements.  Participants can expect to save up to 50% of their utility costs by enrolling in the program.  Groundswell will manage the process of enrolling, maintaining and supporting qualified participants.

Total Project Cost

$2,103,153

Sponsor and Tax Equity

$366,000

NYCEEC Loan

$450,000

Incentives

$1,287,000

The Results

With a loan from NYCEEC and funding from DOEE, the projects are operational and producing 326kW of clean solar power.  Local residents will see their monthly utility bills reduced and the District of Columbia will make further progress towards its environmental and energy equity goals.