Project Overview
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia turned to Solarize Philly for guidance on their first multifamily new-construction project in Philadelphia — and Habitat’s first in the city to include solar photovoltaic (PV) energy. Solarize Philly installer Exact Solar completed the 17.6-kW system, reducing homeowner electricity costs by as much as 75 percent.
$1,000
Annual electricity savings
$40,000
Lifetime electricity savings
15 metric tons
Annual avoided carbon emissions
The Challenges
The 21-unit Coltrane Commons development in Strawberry Mansion includes a mix of single-family homes and condominium units. Habitat engaged Solarize Philly for guidance identifying a trusted local installer who could integrate solar PV across five separate rowhomes. Multiple systems were constructed at once, utilizing a financial incentive structure available to commercial solar projects.
Habitat sought an installation partner who could meet the specific needs of their affordable housing model and for this particular project.
- Habitat required homebuyers eventually be able to own the solar panels, ruling out a lease model. Exact offered an extended warranty to further reduce potential homeowner costs.
- Strawberry Mansion’s historical zoning overlay stated utility equipment must be hidden and not alter the building’s exterior.
- Parapet walls required a solar PV design that would accommodate maintenance access around the solar panels’ perimeter.
The Solution
Solarize installer Exact Solar designed and built the 17.6-kilowatt (kw) system. Exact addressed Strawberry Mansion historic building codes by concealing electrical equipment behind a metal screen, painting electrical conduit to match the buildings’ siding. Exact opted for a ballasted racking system to install panels on the flat roofs, no drilling required, all while complying with structural and fire code requirements. Exact maximized available space and deployed high-efficiency solar energy components.
