Affordable housing projects can be a tough sell in some communities. Despite the continued efforts of developers and other advocates, communities often push back when a low-income project is suggested. There is still an assumed association between affordable housing, increased crime and decreased property values. Offering value-added components to a project can make the difference between having to endure a long, drawn-out debate with community and city council members, and getting quick approval for projects that include low-income housing.
Grid Alternatives is a unique solar panel company that works exclusively with affordable housing. It was founded in California in 2001 and installed its first panels in 2004. Since then, the company has installed over 750 solar electric systems either in partnership with new low-income housing developments or on existing affordable housing. In the wake of its success, several other companies have begun offering the same, or similar, services.
Solar panels can reduce a family's electric bills by about 75%, which is a significant savings for any family, but especially those in lower income brackets. In addition to being money savers, solar panels are environmental savers, as well. It is estimated that over 72,000 tons of greenhouses gases will be prevented from entering the atmosphere over the next 30 years, as the result of Grid Alternatives installations alone. That's just one company working in one state. As solar power installations become accessible through other companies and in other states, that figure could easily triple or quadruple.
Solar power is just one example of the ways developers can make affordable housing projects more attractive to communities that might normally protest. It may be a harder sell in places where winter is longer, colder and cloudier; but there are other options. Even low-income units built to be exceptionally energy efficient are more attractive to local communities, as are units that are built with recycled material. The city of New Orleans has seen a sharp increase in environmentally friendly affordable housing. A couple of non-profit organizations have partnered with developers specifically to build this type of housing in New Orleans. And both residents and community leaders are excited about the potential results - whole neighborhoods with drastically reduced carbon footprints and decreased utility expenses.
