FUNDS AWARDED FOR SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM AT COUNTY’S SENIOR PUBLIC HOUSING SITE

Over $400,000 Approved by Southern California Edison

Los Angeles County, July 30, 2020 – The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) is progressively implementing solar energy systems at its public housing sites. The agency was recently awarded a $435,133 grant from the Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) Program, operated by Southern California Edison (SCE). The financial incentives of the MASH Program will fund the installation of photovoltaics at the Orchard Arms Public Housing community, making it the third public housing site in Los Angeles County with a solar energy system.

Emilio Salas, LACDA Acting Executive Director, said, “Our housing efforts don’t stop at simply getting individuals and families indoors; it’s done with the intentionality to better serve our residents and the larger Los Angeles County community. With the assistance from Southern California Edison, the LACDA is able to further expand its renewable energy investments and share the benefits of clean energy.”

Since the installation of the solar energy project at the Nueva Maravilla Public Housing community in 2012, the LACDA has sought opportunities to promote clean energy practices at all its housing sites. After gathering project design drafts, loaded calculations, and utility reporting, the LACDA applied for the MASH Program, which is a community-based approach to financing photovoltaic systems for affordable housing and maximizing the use of solar power for households with limited means. In addition to completing the prerequisites, the post application process of the MASH Program will require a building and utility inspection. The photovoltaic energy system is expected to generate 454,039 kWh annually, accumulate around $358,000 in savings over the next five years, and reduce electricity bills for senior residents.

“Making solar system installations available to public housing complexes like Orchard Arms gives more of our customers access to the benefits of clean energy,” said Jessica Lim, SCE Principal Manager of Product Management. “Residents can save money on their electric bill and the community benefits when these residents use clean solar energy to power their homes.”

The Orchard Arms Public Housing community is located in Valencia and provides 183 units to approximately 200 residents. The project is currently in the pre-development stage and is scheduled for completion in Fiscal Year 2020-21.

All media may contact Elisa Vásquez, LACDA Public Information Officer, at (626) 586-1762.