Sunrun, the leading provider of clean energy as a subscription service in the United States, has announced the completion of three new rooftop solar installations at affordable housing communities in Orange County, California. These projects are located at the Arroyo Vista, Villa Plumosa, and Yorba Linda Palms apartment complexes and are expected to provide long-term utility bill savings for approximately 800 low-income residents. The combined capacity of the three systems is 748 kilowatts (kW), which is projected to offset between 80% and 90% of the energy consumption at the respective properties.
The projects were made possible through partnerships with local affordable housing providers and were celebrated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Arroyo Vista apartment complex in Mission Viejo. This event was attended by Sunrun executives, U.S. Representative Young Kim (representing California’s 40th Congressional District), local elected officials, and the CEO of Eden Housing. At Arroyo Vista, a total of 1,120 solar panels have been installed. Each of the 156 apartment homes is currently receiving approximately $60 in monthly savings on their electricity bills through virtual net metering.
“Rooftop solar energy in affordable housing communities I represent lowers utility bills for hardworking families struggling with rising living costs, creates local jobs here at home, and promotes U.S. energy dominance around the world. I appreciate Sunrun’s work in our Southern California communities and will keep doing all I can to make life more affordable,” said Rep. Young Kim.
Paul Dickson, Sunrun President and Chief Revenue Officer, stated, “We are so proud to be cutting energy bills for hundreds of hard-working residents in Southern California. This project is another example of how Sunrun is making solar energy—and the resulting savings—available to homeowners and renters of all income levels.”
Linda Mandolini, president and CEO of Eden Housing, mentioned, “Affordable housing is deeply needed in this part of Southern California and we are grateful to partner with Sunrun to make Arroyo Vista even more affordable for our residents through energy bill savings. Supporting clean energy while also helping families stretch their hard-earned dollars is a win-win collaboration for our communities.”
These savings are expected to increase over time due to energy inflation and ongoing utility rate hikes by San Diego Gas & Electric. Over the next two decades, the solar installation at Arroyo Vista alone is projected to save residents over $3.5 million collectively. The Villa Plumosa complex in Yorba Linda, which includes 76 affordable apartments, is already benefiting from the completed solar installation, with each unit also experiencing close to $60 in monthly energy bill reductions. Meanwhile, the Yorba Linda Palms project, which is expected to become operational in the coming months, will provide 44 affordable apartments with over $75 in monthly savings.
“When you’re on a fixed income, every penny counts, which is why I was especially happy to see the $60 savings on my power bill each month. It feels great to be saving money and helping the environment at the same time. We’re grateful that Eden Housing and Sunrun made it possible,” commented Arroyo Vista resident Lametrius Freeman.
Lawrence Goldenhersh, President of the Center for Sustainable Energy, one of the SOMAH program administrators, also added, “SOMAH projects bring affordable, clean energy to hard working families who need it most, by significantly cutting monthly electricity bills. By lowering energy costs, we’re helping parents keep their homes running, care for their children, and protect their family’s health — creating lasting stability and opportunity for communities across California.”
These projects were developed under California’s Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) program and the Low-Income Communities Investment Tax Credit (ITC) initiative. These state-supported programs allow qualified affordable housing properties to install solar systems without passing costs on to residents.
Funding for the programs is sourced from the state’s cap-and-trade system, which requires polluters to purchase greenhouse gas emission allowances. Sunrun currently serves more than 21,000 households in low-income multifamily housing communities. The newly completed projects not only contribute to California’s clean energy goals but also stimulate local economies through job creation, investment in infrastructure, and sustained financial benefits for renters.
