Project Overview
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia turned to Solarize Greater Philadelphia for guidance on their first multifamily new-construction project in Philadelphia — and Habitat’s first in the city to include solar photovoltaic (PV) energy. Solarize Philly installer Exact Solar completed the 17.6-kW system, reducing homeowner electricity costs by as much as 75 percent.
Solarize’s installers were ready to answer our questions. It felt all along like a partnership, not a scary process in any way. It was very straightforward and seamless. And there are a lot of ways to reduce the cost through tax credits and rebates. It is not some future technology for another day. It’s available now and easy to access.
- Ed McColly, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, Director of Real Estate Development
The Benefits
- $1,000 Annual electricity savings
- $40,000 Lifetime electricity savings
- 15 metric tons Annual avoided carbon emissions
The Challenges
The 21-unit Coltrane Commons development in Strawberry Mansion includes a mix of single-family homes and condominium units. Habitat engaged Solarize Philly for guidance identifying a trusted local installer who could integrate solar PV across five separate rowhomes. Multiple systems were constructed at once, utilizing a financial incentive structure available to commercial solar projects.
Habitat sought an installation partner who could meet the specific needs of their affordable housing model and for this particular project.
- Habitat required homebuyers to eventually be able to own the solar panels, ruling out a lease model. Exact Solar offered an extended warranty to further reduce potential homeowner costs.
- Strawberry Mansion’s historical zoning overlay stated utility equipment must be hidden and not alter the building’s exterior.
- Parapet walls required a solar PV design that would accommodate maintenance access around the solar panels’ perimeter.
We were looking for somebody who was willing to consider an extended workmanship warranty on the units to ensure our families would have no issues over the long run on the maintenance of the solar panels.
- Ed McColly, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, Director of Real Estate Development
The Solution
Solarize installer Exact Solar designed and built the 17.6-kilowatt (kw) system. Exact addressed Strawberry Mansion’s historic building codes by concealing electrical equipment behind a metal screen, painting electrical conduit to match the buildings’ siding. Exact opted for a ballasted racking system to install panels on the flat roofs, no drilling required, all while complying with structural and fire code requirements. Exact maximized available space and deployed high-efficiency solar energy components.
Affordability is a significant hurdle for first-time home buyers. I knew that my Habitat home would be energy-efficient, and now with the solar panels, my bills are going to be even lower.
- Adrienne Dolberry, Coltrane Commons homeowner