Washington, D.C.’s water district DC Water has completed a 1.8-MW solar installation on its Brentwood Reservoir property. Through the Solar for All program, the facility will provide utility bill savings to more than 500 income-qualified D.C. households and up to $3.8 million in lifetime electricity bill savings, advancing D.C.’s climate, clean energy and energy equity goals. All while sitting atop an underground reinforced concrete reservoir for potable water storage of about 25 million gallons.
Project partners held a ribbon cutting ceremony this week. This community solar project led by NHT Ingenuity Power (a joint venture of National Housing Trust and Urban Ingenuity, an innovation lab of Working Power) is one of the largest in Washington, D.C.
“By converting underutilized spaces into renewable energy assets, this project demonstrates the power of reimagining critical infrastructure as sources of clean energy,” said Richard Jackson, Director of the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). “The District is proud to help deliver meaningful bill savings for residents while advancing a cleaner, more affordable future.”
The project was a collaboration among NHT Ingenuity Power, DC Water, Working Power, NEO Energy, SunLight General Capital, the DOEE and the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU).
“We’re thrilled the Brentwood Reservoir Community Solar project is completed. As one of D.C.’s largest community solar projects, this will effectively cut energy bills in half for over 500 low-income residents in the area.” said Niki Molina, Working Power Chief Operating Officer & Asset Manager. “Community solar can mean hundreds of dollars in annual savings for families — money that could go toward food, school supplies or medical bills.”
The DCSEU works in partnership with DOEE on the Solar for All program and is working with solar developers like NHT Ingenuity Power to develop large community solar projects throughout the city. Since 2019, the DCSEU has worked with local developers and contractors to develop more than 250 Solar for All Community Solar installations that will expand solar power access to more than 11,000 income-qualified families that will deliver more than $80 million in lifetime electricity bill savings.
News item from DC Water