Arch Solar announced that it recently installed a 191 kWdirect current solar energy project on a newly constructed affordable housing and community library complex in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The installation is expected to offset 38% of the site’s total electricity consumption.
The project is part of a broader initiative by the City of Milwaukee to produce on-site renewable energy in underserved neighborhoods. Serving a low-income neighborhood with 93 townhouse-style apartments and a newly renovated public library, the project supports long-term affordability by directly reducing energy costs for residents, including units allocated for lower rent.
“Ease of installation, centralized monitoring and consistency across multiple locations were important considerations,” said Andrew Holmstrom, business development supervisor at Arch Solar. “Managing three separate rooftops with different configurations is much easier when you have a unified platform. The longer string design and power optimizers have lowered our system cost balance, with fewer homerun cables, less piping and less labor, while delivering reliable performance in all locations.”
Arch Solar used a combination of SolarEdge SE50K and SE10K inverters and dual-input power optimizers, allowing for longer string lengths, fewer homerun cables, and lower Balance-of-System (BoS) costs. This setup not only streamlined the installation, but also ensured that the project stayed within the tight budget parameters typical of affordable housing.
While each building has a different ownership model, the system’s energy savings are intended to directly benefit both residential tenants and community activities, contributing to greater economic stability and quality of life.
“Affordable housing must come with affordable energy,” said Chuck Ellis, VP of commercial and industrial sales at SolarEdge. “This project shows how smart solar design can have measurable impact where it matters most.”
News item from Arch Electric
