SolarCity and Habitat for Humanity of San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys, together with the California Department of Veterans Affairs, have formed a partnership to build 78 new affordable solar powered homes in Santa Clarita for returning veterans. According to Market Watch, the new home project is made possible by the CalVet Residential Enriched Neighborhood program, which provides housing, specialized services, and training to help veterans returning from combat achieve upward mobility and reintegrate more smoothly into civilian life.
All CalVet REN homes are Energy Star certified, but this new community is the first to feature solar power from SolarCity. The company makes it possible for veterans to save money on energy costs by having a solar system installed with no upfront cost. They are also able to lock in solar power rates for the next twenty years, protecting them from future utility rate increases and increasing their independence from polluting fossil fuels.
“This community is not just housing for veterans, but a true way to honor our returning servicemen and women,” said Donna Deutchman, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys. “The partnership with SolarCity will offer veterans an environmentally friendly community with low cost solar energy that also provides long term savings. Beyond the gift of homeownership, the community is intended to be a healthy and sustainable place for families to grow.”
The solar power systems on the first 26 homes were installed in a matter of hours last week, using a crew that included local volunteers and 7 veterans. The first 78 new solar homes are expected to be fully completed in September 2015. SolarCity will include up to 12 solar panels per home, and the solar power systems are expected to offset a majority of the electricity used in each home – all at a discount to utility power.
Veterans interested in purchasing one of the new solar homes must follow CalVet’s REN community guidelines, including the completion of 500 hours of “sweat equity.” Veterans, along with hundreds of additional volunteers from local groups and corporations, help to build the homes in the CalVet REN communities. Community partners provide the veterans additional training in self-sufficiency and personal growth for up to a year after they move in.
SolarCity currently works with more than 100 homebuilders across the country to offer clean, affordable solar energy.
