GRID Alternatives Inland Empire Multifamily Solar Project Underway in Temecula
Temecula, CA — Nestled in the heart of wine country in Temecula, California, Madera Vista Apartments is a 110-unit mixed-income project, which is the first multifamily solar installation in this region for GRID Alternatives Inland Empire (GRID IE). GRID IE is a national non-profit organization that makes renewable energy technology and job training accessible to underserved communities. Phase one of the Madera Vista project commenced in early January 2019. The first of 13 buildings scheduled to receive solar is a section that contains 20 affordable housing units for seniors. Despite the recent rainstorm that Southern California experienced, the project is still on schedule according to Project Manager and GRID IE Multi-Family Consultant Anthony Papavero.
“This is a very unique and challenging project,” said Papavero. “We are essentially installing 13 individual projects on one occupied site. Our team is doing a great job managing the logistics and communication with the site management team, while also providing a safe and efficient work environment,” he shared.
GRID construction team and volunteers completed site preparation during the first week of January and began laying the racking system on the roof of Building 6 of the project. The solar panels are the next step, which is scheduled to be complete by the end of January. GRID IE is also working with Southern California Edison’s (SCE) planner on interconnection design and implementation who will provide the most effective “power down” schedule for all of the buildings. “The interconnection process can be the most complex part of any PV installation,” explained Papavero. “This particular project has 13 grid interconnections, each requiring special engineering and inspection. The GRID IE team has worked very closely with SCE to assure that everything is installed safely and correctly.”
GRID provides disadvantaged communities throughout the Inland Empire with long-term relief from unpredictable utility costs, while training individuals for positions in the solar industry. GRID is an industry leader and recognized as the largest non-profit solar installers in the nation. The impact of this project on the environment and overall includes; 2,150 tons of greenhouse gases prevented and over $1.1 million in lifetime savings.
GRID IE Outreach team has been working with the site manager to keep the tenants informed of the project details. Madera Vista Apartments are managed by Bridge Housing. The Madera Vista project is slated to be complete by spring of this year. Plans for a ribbon-cutting ceremony are forthcoming upon the completion of the project.
For more information about GRID Alternatives visit GRID IE Multi-Family Program or call 951-272-GRID (4743).
About GRID Alternatives Inland Empire
GRID Alternatives Inland Empire (GRID IE) is an office of GRID Alternatives, a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income everywhere. To date, GRID IE has installed solar for over 1,600 families and helped households and housing providers save $55 million in lifetime electricity costs, while training over 2,400 people. For more information, visit GRIDie.org or call 951-272-GRID (4743).
