Solterra

“Residents have reported that the free electric check-out vehicle provided has been a life-saving amenity that allows them free-access to necessary doctor visits”

Solterra is a 49 unit, senior affordable community offering 1 and 2 bedroom apartments to seniors ages 55 and up who earn 30-60% AMI. Solterra offers an electric vehicle for tenant use as well as 2 electric car charging stations. Solterra has solar photovoltaic panels and solar hot water panels that create the heat and energy to power the onsite community room and heat the onsite water boiler. The complex also provides a free electric vehicle check-out service to the seniors. This allows these low-income residents to reap the benefits of having a car without the financial burden of owning one. The project is 80% solar-powered and includes Energy Star rated appliances and low flow plumbing fixtures throughout the units, as well as a drought-tolerant landscape. Keeping the property’s energy and water usage low. Redwood Energy’s utility calculation predicted these units to be $29.00/month for 1-bedroom units & $37.18/month for 2-bedroom units. These low energy bills are all a result of Solterra’s solar power and energy efficiency design. Providing these low-income senior residents with solar power allows them to utilize Net Energy Metering rates which means big monthly savings over the life of the solar system. Utility bills this low provide a lower cost of living and energy security for these seniors.

Read more about Benefits of Rooftop Solar for Low-income Seniors