The Connecticut Green Bank today (Jan 7) announced that eight affordable multifamily housing properties are moving forward as the first round of projects under the Solar Marketplace Assistance Program Plus (Solar MAP+), which makes it easier for affordable multifamily housing providers to access renewable energy and battery storage and achieve cost savings by providing support that simplifies every step of the process.
When completed, the eight solar energy projects will collectively deliver approximately 2.4 megawatts of clean energy to 473 residential units providing property owners with an average of approximately $569,000 in energy cost savings over the lifetime of the panels, while saving tenants, on average, more than $350 annually in energy costs. Connecticut-based solar companies, Earthlight Technologies and PurePoint Energy, will install the systems at the eight properties.
"We've successfully brought Solar MAP+ to Connecticut schools, communities, and state agencies, and we are excited to help our first group of affordable multifamily properties access clean energy solutions," said Mackey Dykes, Executive Vice President of Financing Programs at the Connecticut Green Bank. "By removing technical and financial barriers and providing comprehensive support, we're making it easier for owners and residents to benefit from lower energy costs and increased resilience. This program helps ensure that renewable energy is accessible to the communities and residents who stand to benefit the most."
The eight affordable multifamily properties that will benefit from new solar energy systems through Solar MAP+ are:
- Foote Commons in Cheshire
- Beachport Senior Housing in Cheshire
- Mount Carmel Village in Hamden
- Congregate Housing in Hamden
- Hamden Village in Hamden
- Juniper Hill Village in Storrs
- Access Housing at Parker Place in Tolland
- Federation Square in West Hartford
"The Hamden Housing Authority is proud to partner with the Connecticut Green Bank Solar Program to bring clean, affordable solar energy to our Elderly and Disabled Housing Residents. This project helps reduce our residents' overall energy costs, which supports long-term affordability and peace of mind for the people we serve," said Hazelann B. Cook, Executive Director, Hamden Housing Authority. "For people living on fixed income, these savings can make a meaningful difference, helping stretch monthly budgets and providing greater financial stability. We are grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to invest in a more sustainable and cost-effective future for our residents."
"The partnership with Green Bank and the Solar MAP project means that the residents at Access Housing at Parker Place will see reduced costs to their energy bills. The savings are real, the benefits to folks living at Parker Place are real and the positive impacts solar energy has over all are real," said Kathleen Krider, Sr. Director - Community Engagement & Resource Management at Access Community Access Agency. "Access is very happy to be partnering on this project and working with Green Bank has been a pleasure."
Through Solar MAP+, which covers both solar and storage, affordable multifamily housing providers receive no-cost technical assistance, site selection and project design support, access to financing and financial incentives, and more from the Green Bank. To qualify for Solar MAP+, properties must include at least five units. At least 60% of units must be occupied by residents earning less than 60% of Area Median Income (AMI).
Multifamily property owners interested in joining future Solar MAP+ cohorts can learn more by at ctgreenbank.com/solarmap-amfh or by contacting Katie Shelton at the Connecticut Green Bank at (860) 785-9625.
About the Connecticut Green Bank
The Connecticut Green Bank was established by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2011 as the nation's first state-level green bank and has since supported the creation of nearly 30,000 green jobs in the state, while reducing the energy cost burden on over 71,000 families, businesses, and nonprofits. The Green Bank's vision is a planet protected by the love of humanity and its mission is to confront climate change by increasing and accelerating investment into Connecticut's green economy to create more resilient, healthier, and equitable communities. This is accomplished by leveraging limited public resources to scale-up and mobilize private capital investment into Connecticut. In 2021, the Green Bank's model was expanded to include new areas of environmental infrastructure, related to climate adaptation and resiliency, land conservation, parks and recreation, agriculture, water, waste and recycling, and environmental markets, including carbon offsets and ecosystem services. To date, the Green Bank has mobilized more than $3 billion into the State's green economy. This has reduced the energy costs for thousands of families and businesses, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and worsen public health. Learn more at www.ctgreenbank.com.
