In my home town, Sacramento, California I’ve seen more and more solar panels at various locations such as parking lots, parking meter stations and on top of the community center at Colonia San Martin, the newest project of the housing nonprofit Mercy Housing California. The 60 one-two and three bedroom apartments will produce six times more power than the usual residential solar electric system. The forty units are reserved for individuals or families with at least one member who are HIV-positive or have AIDs.
The 12-kilowatt solar system produces an estimated 18,700 kilowatt-hours per year, cutting annual electric bills at the complex by a total of $6,000. The community center also has insulated windows and radiant heat barriers calculated to reduce energy use.
The fact that a community center like San Martin uses solar panels is awesome because it is setting an example for the rest of the homeowners and non-profits groups to follow worldwide. This is the first solar-powered system on an affordable housing complex in my city. I think we should see more solar panels on top of community centers as well as residential homes.