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.