Affordable housing providers face unique challenges in managing energy costs, ensuring reliability, and meeting sustainability goals. A Connected Microgrid® solution from Catalyst Power® offers a transformative approach, enabling affordable housing owners to reduce operational costs and increase resilience—all without requiring an upfront investment. Here’s how this innovative solution can benefit affordable housing developments.
What Is a Connected Microgrid?
A Connected Microgrid is an on-site energy system that generates electricity using a powerful renewable energy resource: the sun. With solar panels and optional battery storage, it delivers reliable and cost-effective power tailored to a property's specific needs. Catalyst Power eliminates the complexities of ownership, operation, and maintenance for this type of system for property owners, taking the weight off an already high-maintenance job. Let’s break down the key benefits of a Connected Microgrid for affordable housing owners.
Lower Energy Costs
Affordable housing developments often operate on tight budgets, making energy expenses a critical concern. Catalyst Power’s Connected Microgrid allows property owners to generate their own power during peak hours, thereby reducing hefty demand charges. This cost-saving model lowers operating expenses, freeing up resources for other priorities.
For example, a great case study for microgrids deployed in affordable housing communities is the Marcus Garvey Village in Brooklyn, which has demonstrated significant reductions in utility costs while maintaining reliable energy. This microgrid can generate about 1.1 megawatts of electricity to help meet the demand from Marcus Garvey Village’s 625 residential units, with storage capacity that provides dependable resources during power outages.
Increased Resilience, Sustainability, and Environmental Impact
Power outages can be particularly devastating for residents of affordable housing, especially during extreme weather events or emergencies. Our Connected Microgrid is designed to offer short-term protection from temporary power outages. This ensures critical services—such as lighting, refrigeration, and heating—remain functional, enhancing tenant safety and comfort.
Affordable housing developments often serve underserved communities disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change. The microgrid helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping property owners meet sustainability targets or local regulations like LL97 in NYC.
No Upfront Costs
One of the most appealing aspects of Catalyst Power’s Connected Microgrid solution is our third-party ownership model. Affordable housing owners can implement advanced energy systems without capital investment through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Catalyst Power owns and operates the system while the property owner enjoys reduced demand expenses.
We dive deeper into the costs of installing a microgrid system on the blog here.
How It Works with Us
So, how does this work? Catalyst Power simplifies the process of deploying our Connected Microgrid for affordable housing through the following steps:
- Design: The system is customized to meet the property's specific energy needs.
- Installation: Solar panels and optional battery storage are installed on-site without disrupting operations.
- Operation: Catalyst Power owns, operates, and maintains the system to ensure optimal performance.
This streamlined approach allows affordable housing owners to focus on their core mission—providing safe and accessible homes—while Catalyst Power handles all aspects of energy management.
Next Steps
Catalyst Power’s Connected Microgrid solution is a game-changer for affordable housing providers looking to reduce costs and meet ESG goals. By offering a service with no upfront costs, Catalyst Power enables property owners to focus on their mission while delivering tangible benefits to their tenants and the broader community.
With increasing demand for resilient and sustainable energy systems in underserved areas, microgrids are paving the way—one where affordable housing is not only accessible but also environmentally conscious and economically efficient.
