Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento’s affordable housing community, Cornerstone, is going to be solar-powered thanks to a donation from SunPower and a supporting grant. This will be the first-of-its-kind, all-electric, solar-powered affordable housing community in Sacramento serving low-income families in partnership with Mutual Housing of CA.
“The climate is changing and so must our homes and how we build them,” said Leah Miller, CEO for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento. “We strive to create homes that are durable, healthy and sustainable.”
As cost of living and energy prices increase in California, Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to electrify their homes can lower energy costs while helping to meet U.S. climate goals. The Cornerstone community will consist of 18 single-family homes, each equipped with electric vehicle charging capabilities to provide homeowners with an ecosystem of energy solutions.
The 140 donated panels will help offset the energy costs of 13 homes in the community and are expected to provide an estimated annual savings of about $1,500 for each homeowner. SunPower’s donation will be combined with a monetary grant from SunPower Foundation to further support the design, permitting and installation at Cornerstone, distributed through Good Sun.
“One of the many benefits of solar is its ability to provide long-term financial relief to families struggling with high and unpredictable energy costs,” said Peter Faricy, CEO at SunPower. “Everyone deserves access to affordable, clean energy. Together with Habitat for Humanity, we are proud to a meaningful impact on the lives of families in Sacramento.”
In honor of Earth Day, SunPower employees will be volunteering onsite today to help with installation and general renovation for two of the homes in the Cornerstone community. This is part of SunPower’s 25×25 diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) commitments to expand access of solar to disadvantaged communities. The company unveiled the initiative in 2021 to spread the economic benefits of solar and battery storage with communities that typically carry a disproportionately higher energy burden.
Habitat for Humanity builds quality, affordable houses across the nation; selling to families who would otherwise not be able to afford the purchase of a home. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento has served over 10,000 individuals who earn less than 30% to 80% of the city’s median income through home builds, repairs and community projects
— Solar Builder magazine
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