Empowering Affordable Housing with Solar Energy
Client:Kaye Stern Properties
Location: Washington, DC
Project Size: 104 kW
Challenge
Kaye Stern Properties, managing over 300 affordable housing developments in Washington DC, faced challenges in pursuing solar projects due to their multi-year acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation schedule. They required a comprehensive solution that integrated community solar, roofing upgrades, and energy efficiency improvements across their portfolio.
Solution
Pacific Sun Solar partnered with Kaye Stern Properties to develop a 104 kW community solar system across three multi-family properties. This turnkey solution addressed immediate solar opportunities while planning for future projects.
Key Project Highlights:
- Community Solar & Roofing Upgrades:
- Developed over 100 kW of solar capacity across three properties.
- Replaced two rooftops with durable TPO roofing material, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Partnered with Metropolitan Exteriors to fully finance the solar system and roof replacements.
- Solar for All Program:
- Collaborated with Enflection to secure approval under the Department of Energy and Environment’s Solar for All program.
- Ensured all energy generated benefits low-income residents at no cost.
- Resident Benefits:
- Designed an innovative onboarding process for residents to enroll in the Solar for All program efficiently.
Consultative Approach:
Pacific Sun Solar provided end-to-end support, including:
- Proposing a rooftop lease model, creating immediate and long-term revenue streams.
- Financing roof replacements through solar revenues.
- Designing the project, estimating costs, engaging financing partners, and obtaining lender approvals.
- Overseeing permitting, PEPCO approvals, and project construction, completed in under three months using top-tier components.
Project Success Metrics
- System Capacity: 104 kW
- Panels Installed: 315
- Construction Time: 3 months
- Households Powered: 37
- Resident Savings per Year: $420
- Total Savings: Over $238,000
- Customer Out-of-Pocket Costs: $0
Impact
This project highlights Pacific Sun Solar’s ability to empower affordable housing developments with sustainable energy solutions. The partnership with Kaye Stern Properties created immediate revenue streams, significant cost savings for residents, and enhanced community sustainability.
Project Images

