Global Green USA

Green Affordable Housing: Solara

Global Green USA

THE PROJECT

California’s first apartment community designed to be fully powered by the sun. Completion date for the affordable housing project: 2007.

OUR PARTICIPATION

Through our Greening of Affordable Housing Initiative, we work extensively with nonprofit community development corporations, architects, financial institutions, and government agencies at the local, state, and national level. Global Green USA was the Green Building/Renewable Energy Advisor on the project.

PROJECT DETAILS

SOLARA's 141 kilowatt, grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system supplies power separately to each of the project’s 56 energy-efficient apartment units, community center, and common areas. While SOLARA was built exclusively with easily obtainable off-the-shelf technology, its major breakthrough was financial. By taking advantage of funding sources available to most new affordable housing projects in California, the development team was able to cover more than 92% of the cost of the $1.1 million solar system with incentives and create a business model that can be replicated in affordable housing developments across the state.

SOLARA's energy efficiency and renewable energy package may be its most obvious green feature, but the foundation of SOLARA’s success as a green affordable housing project lies in the design team’s holistic approach to sustainable development. The team focused on core elements such as community access and walkability, indoor environmental quality, water efficiency, and resource conservation throughout the design and construction process. The result is proof that quality, innovative, and environmentally-friendly housing can be accessible to everyone.

GREEN FEATURES OF THE PROJECT

Energy Efficiency

Low-E windows
Radiant barrier roofing
Central, high-efficiency, tankless water heaters for water and space heating
SEER 13 and 14 air conditioning with non-HCFC refrigerant
100% pin-type fluorescent lighting
ENERGY STAR appliances
Exceeds Title 24 (2005) by 15%

Renewable Energy

141 kW photovoltaic system supplies electricity to all units, common areas, and parking areas

Water Efficiency

Dual flush toilets
Native, drought-resistant plants with low water needs

Recycled Materials

Fly ash in concrete
Natural linoleum in kitchens and bathrooms
Composite (plastic and wood) recycled decking
Recycled paper wall surface in the Learning Center

Indoor Air Quality

Low VOC paint
Cross-ventilation and windows in most bathrooms
Green Label Plus carpets
Wood cabinets sealed against formaldehyde leakage
Bathroom fans with timers to help prevent moisture accumulation and mold growth
Formaldehyde-free insulation

Resident Life

Preoccupancy green briefings for residents
Green Curriculum in the Learning Center
Families supplied folding shopping carts to encourage shopping at local establishments without driving
Community center resources include: job training, computer skills, leadership, and financial fitness
Individual solar energy consumption monitoring
Six on-site public art installations
Meyer lemon grove with edible citrus
Family recreational area

MORE INFORMATION

Our case study

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Tags: green affordable housing green homes green cities green urbanism program