Powering Green Affordable Housing with Solar Energy
Sunwealth partnered with Resonant Energy to develop a 11 kW solar project for the Main South Community Development Corporation in Worcester, MA.
Our 11 kW solar project developed in partnership with Resonant Energy for the Main South Community Development Corporation in Worcester, MA.
Once a hub for industrial innovation, the city of Worcester, Massachusetts began its decline following World War II, as manufacturing moved overseas. Decades later, with the rise in biotechnology research at Worcester hospitals and universities and the accompanying influx of students, researchers, and families, Worcester’s upswing began. Worcester has since become the fastest-growing major city in New England, experiencing growth of over 14% between 2010 and 2020. It now boasts over 200,000 residents and has become the second-largest city in New England.
This type of exponential growth comes at a price, though. Without adequate city zoning and policy, residents who have lived in Worcester for generations now face being priced out of their neighborhoods. This is where organizations like the Main South Community Development Corporation (CDC) come in.
Main South CDC is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986 in response to the need for affordable housing and community maintenance and development in Worcester’s Main South neighborhood. The CDC is built on foundational principles of racial equity and social justice, and organizes its work around three pillars: physical development, community-based programs, and property management. Main South develops quality affordable housing for low-to-moderate income individuals, leads programming around community building, development, and empowerment, and manages and maintains Main South-owned homes and rental properties.
In partnership with solar developer Resonant Energy, Sunwealth has completed its second solar installation with Main South CDC. The first installation, a 15 kW project, sits on an apartment building renovated by Main South as the last stage in a revitalization of Kilby Street in the Main South neighborhood. This most recent project totals 11 kW and sits on the roof of a multi-family home. The home was renovated by Main South in the early 2000s as part of a project commissioning the building and renovation of 34 units of affordable housing. This project will reduce 273 metric tons of carbon over its lifetime while providing Main South with $16,000 in lifetime energy savings.
Sunwealth’s two solar projects will generate over $30,000 in combined lifetime energy savings for Main South CDC. For Sunwealth, community development not only means welcoming new businesses and residents but also building wealth and resilience for long-time community members and local businesses. Partnering with Main South allows us to do just that, while expanding solar access, reducing emissions, and working toward a better energy future.
Interested in learning more about partnering with Sunwealth?