Solar for Multifamily Affordable Housing in Portland, OR
Las Adelitas is a community-based development and the largest-ever public investment in Northeast Portland’s Cully neighborhood. The four-story multifamily development is owned by Hacienda CDC, a Latino-led Community Development Corporation that strengthens families by providing affordable housing, homeownership support, economic advancement, and educational opportunities.
The goal of Las Adelitas is to mitigate the effects of rising rents on families, and the inevitable displacement and gentrification within the Cully neighborhood. The development consists of 142 apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms, as well as community space, free child care, and a new outdoor plaza where the community gathers. Named after Mexican feminist revolutionaries, Las Adelitas supports local economic growth while transforming an area once known for illegal activities into a catalyst for development.
Project Kickoff and Challenges
In September of 2021, Neil Kelly was interviewed by LMC Construction and Hacienda as a potential solar energy contractor for a 282kW rooftop-mounted solar PV system. We were awarded the project and went into contract that December.
However, at the time of signing the contract, the building was still under construction and working through several delays by the city. The building opened in late 2022, and after a few more delays we were finally able to begin solar installation in March of 2023.
The Solar Energy System at Las Adelitas
This sizeable affordable housing solar energy project—a first but certainly not the last for Neil Kelly Solar—included the installation of a 282.8kW flat roof-mounted grid-tied solar photovoltaic system with, 707 panels, 354 power optimizers, two string inverters), and the related electrical metering and safety equipment.
Finished Results and Future Plans
The main goal of the Las Adelitas development is to provide affordable housing to households earning 60% of the median area income and below. Because the energy production estimate for this system is around 300,000kWh per year, it is modeled for a 100% offset of electrical demand. This means that the building will be operating at net zero, dramatically reducing the electricity bill for Las Adelitas residents.
Neil Kelly is proud to announce that we have future plans with Hacienda through Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) funds to install solar, heat pump water heaters, HVAC, and other energy-saving measures for their entire Community Housing Portfolio.
Choose Neil Kelly for Your Solar Energy Installation
Neil Kelly’s seasoned solar energy professionals have the resources and expertise to tailor a system to the unique requirements of your home or business. We’ll help evaluate the solar energy system potential of your building or property, plus, we can help you access tax credits and incentives that can offset the cost of installing the system.
Learn more about solar power installation with Neil Kelly and schedule your complimentary consultation today.
