Business View Magazine - September 2015

14 Business View - September 2015 Business View - September 2015 15 Opening Lines SolarCity Gives Veterans Light through CalVet REN in new community provided by Habitat for Humanity of San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys SolarCity and Habitat for Humanity of San Fernando/ Santa Clarita Valleys, together with the California De- partment of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), have come to- gether for the first time to build 78 new affordable solar-powered homes in Santa Clarita, California for re- turning veterans. The new home project is made pos- sible by the CalVet Residential Enriched Neighborhood (REN) program, which utilizes the Enriched Neighbor- hood model to provide housing, specialized services and training that aims to help veterans returning from combat achieve upward mobility and more smoothly reintegrate into civilian life. The SolarCity crews, in- cluding 7 veterans on staff, joined forces to complete the project in a single day for future veteran homeown- ers. The solar power systems on the first new phase of homes – 26 totals – were installed in a matter of hours yesterday. All CalVet REN homes are at minimum Energy Star Cer- tified, but this new community is the first to feature solar power from SolarCity, America’s #1 solar power provider. SolarCity makes it possible for the veterans to install solar with no upfront cost and save money on energy costs by paying less for solar electricity than they pay for utility power. Veterans are also able to lock in solar power rates for the next twenty years, protect- ing them from future utility rate increases and increas- ing their independence from polluting fossil fuels. “This community is not just housing for veterans, but a true way to honor our returning servicemen and women,” said Donna Deutchman, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valleys. “The partnership with SolarCity will offer veterans an en- vironmentally friendly community with low cost solar energy that also provides long term savings. Beyond the gift of homeownership, the community is intended to be a healthy and sustainable place for families to grow.” The first phase of new solar homes is expected to be fully completed in September 2015. SolarCity will in- clude up to 12 solar panels per home, and the solar power systems are expected to offset a majority of the electricity used in each home – all at a discount to util- ity power. Veterans interested in purchasing one of the new so- lar homes must follow CalVet’s REN community guide- lines, including the completion of 500 hours of “sweat equity.” Veterans, along with hundreds of additional volunteers from local groups and corporations, help to build the homes in the CalVet REN communities. Com- munity partners provide the veterans additional train- ing in self-sufficiency and personal growth for up to a year after they move in.