Low-income residents in Denver, Colo. will soon receive clean, locally-produced energy thanks to a new partnership between solar garden developer Clean Energy Collective (CEC) and the Housing Authority of the City and County of Denver (DHA). Under the new Community Solar Low-Income Residential Program, CEC will devote a portion of the power produced by three community solar facilities serving Xcel Energy's Denver County customers, offsetting the electric bills for approximately 35 families living in DHA facilities.

Five percent of the power produced by each of the three community solar arrays CEC has in the queue for development in Denver County is earmarked for the DHA program, equating to 70kW, or about 100 panels from each array. According to CEC, this will generate more than $7,700 in bill credits for DHA housing residents in the first year and nearly $230,000 over the 20-year program.

Historically, renewable energy has been out of reach for the majority of people because of significant obstacles, including a large upfront cost, shaded or unaccommodating roofs, or they rent their properties. Clean Energy Collective's community solar model removes those barriers by delivering clean power through medium-scale, locally-sited solar facilities collectively owned by participating utility customers, and providing credit for the power produced directly on panel owners' utility bills.

"We're very proud of this new partnership with DHA and the opportunity to provide clean, locally-made energy to several Denver families, many of whom may be facing greater challenges than reducing their carbon footprint," said Tom Sweeney, CEC's chief operating officer.

Housing Authority owns and/or manages affordable housing units in the City and County of Denver, serving the residents of Denver.

"This is a great partnership with CEC, it demonstrates a creative way to bring environmentally friendly, low cost renewable energy to serve low-income residents," said Ismael Guerrero, DHA Executive Director. "DHA benefits because we don't disrupt our buildings or daily operations and residents will receive a direct credit on their monthly bill, thus saving money every month."

CEC is building 11 community solar arrays as part of Xcel Energy's Solar*Rewards Community program to serve Colorado customers in Denver, Boulder, Jefferson, Arapahoe and Summit counties, and the City of Aurora. Boulder's first array is currently online and supplying power, while Denver's Denver/Lowry Solar Array (Hanger 2) is anticipated to come online this September.