Sunrun commits to 100 MW of solar on affordable multi-family housing

Sunrun Inc. is expanding its low- and moderate-income solar offering plans to develop a minimum of 100 MW of solar on affordable multi-family housing — in which 80 percent of tenants fall below 60 percent of the area median income — over the next decade in California. Sunrun’s commitment, when fully deployed, will directly benefit at least 50,000 moderate and low-income households.

The installations will be done through building owners at no cost to the tenants.

“Sunrun is built on the foundation that solar energy should be accessible to everyone,” said Lynn Jurich, Sunrun co-founder and Chief Executive Officer. “In offering affordable home solar to residents in low and moderate-income housing, we’re able to support the communities that often experience the most harmful effects of pollution and climate change. This expansion further illustrates the essential role of home solar in improving people’s livelihoods, supporting a healthier environment, and building a more resilient energy system, for everyone.”

As we’ve noted, the lack of plans for solar in the the LMI and multifamily housing sector is holding back massive potential. Smart legislation in the California, such as the affordable housing solar roofs program, has empowered companies like Sunrun to expand access to solar. To date, 39 MW of solar have been installed on affordable multi-family dwellings through the California Public Utilities Commission’s Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) program, and will continue through its successor program, Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH). Sunrun’s commitment aims to satisfy one-third of the SOMAH program’s goal of 300 MW of solar on affordable housing by 2030.”

In addition to its commitment in California, Sunrun is also introducing a discounted electricity rate to low-income residents in Nevada, supported by the state’s RenewableGenerations program, which comes shortly after Sunrun joined the Connecticut Green Bank Program. The company also will continue its six-year partnership with GRID Alternatives. Sunrun has helped install 2.5 MW of solar for 260 families, and generated significant job opportunities for GRID trainees. Sunrun employees have also volunteered over 4,500 hours with GRID.

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: https://solarbuildermag.com/news/sunrun-commits-to-100-mw-of-solar-on-affordable-multi-family-housing/]