A brand new community solar project exemplifying D.C.’s energy future is being installed in Ward 5 at Rhode Island Row Apartments. Reflecting the District’s commitment to energy equity, the project will share savings as well as power with local income-qualified households to help cut utility bills and make living more affordable. To explore how, meet the project team, and connect about DC’s energy future, you’re invited to join a series of public webinars hosted by Groundswell and held via Zoom. Registration is free.

Connecting community solar to equity and affordability is a core value of the project development team, which is led by NHT Ingenuity Power (NHTIP), a partnership between nonprofit housing advocate National Housing Trust and Urban Ingenuity, a District-based clean energy financial partner. Groundswell, a local community solar nonprofit, joined the team to support community engagement and customer service.

Community solar projects like the one at Rhode Island Row have a huge role to play in D.C.’s energy future. In 2018, the District of Columbia made an ambitious pledge to move to 100% renewable energy by 2032. Additionally, the Clean Energy Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018 requires that at least 10% of that energy must come from solar energy generated within the District. Community solar helps make both of these goals a reality by enabling renters to purchase electricity from nearby solar projects.

“Community solar expands access to solar to everyone,” commented Michelle Moore, CEO of Groundswell. “You don’t have to own your own roof, and there are no up-front costs or installations required. It’s a simple choice that anyone who pays for electricity can make to buy local, cleanly-generated power.”

Importantly, the Rhode Island Row community solar project will also share savings with income-qualified households, supporting affordability by cutting utility bills.

“This energy burden makes it even harder for people to make ends meet. That’s why sharing solar savings with the people in our community who need it the most was one of our primary goals for this project,” said Bracken Hendricks, CEO of Urban Ingenuity. “Washington, D.C. is a national leader in clean energy and climate solutions. This project demonstrates that greener cities can also be a more accessible and inclusive community for all families living in the District.”

Energy infrastructure is a critical activity and construction on the project is anticipated to begin in late-Spring, in alignment with all safety measures required to protect health and wellbeing as a priority. Groundswell is now accepting reservations for the first 83 D.C. households who’ll get their power from this project.

To learn more about the community solar project at Rhode Island Row, including how to subscribe, and to connect about D.C.’s energy future, register for a free webinar.