Solar Electric System Installed on Affordable Housing Apartment Building

An affordable housing project, Irvine Inn, in Southern California has turned green with the installation of a solar power system by Solar Electrical Systems of Westlake Village in California. The apartment building is located in Orange County, California. This solar initiative was carried out as part of California Solar Initiative's Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) program.

The owners of Irvine Inn recognized the benefits of investing in a solar power system. The solar electric system eliminates or reduces the electric bills for tenants and owners, helping to keep the rents lowest in the nation. Government support such as tax incentives and rebates helped to reduce the cost of the solar system by 82% from $585,000 to $105,000. The investment can be taken back in six years and provides fixed energy costs for another 30 to 40 years to the owners. The system results in savings of more than $5 million during its lifetime.

Solar Electrical Systems was able to complete the project ahead of schedule due its experience in interconnection approvals, rebate application, design of solar power system and installation and the owners started to save money immediately.