A unique partnership among Cowlitz PUD, Lower Columbia CAP, Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), and Blossom Solar is helping low-income residents at an apartment complex reduce energy costs while expanding access to clean energy in Cowlitz County, Washington State.
The project includes a 72-kilowatt rooftop solar installation across all four Soundview apartment buildings.
Blossom Solar designed and installed the system, which is expected to generate about 80,200 kilowatt hours of clean electricity annually, with the benefits flowing directly to residents through credits on their individual electric bills.
Over the first 20 years, the system is expected to produce more than 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy.
The project represents an innovative approach to community solar, the PUD said. Unlike many multi-family solar projects, residents retain their own utility accounts, preserving access to energy assistance programs and other customer benefits while still receiving the savings generated by the solar system.
"This project demonstrates what can happen when organizations work together to find creative solutions," said Dever Haffner-Ratliffe, Cowlitz PUD Regulatory Affairs Coordinator. "Our shared goal was simple: help families save money while supporting clean energy development in our community."
The partnership brought together each organization's strengths.
Cowlitz PUD helped develop the program model and secure funding opportunities, BEF analyzed the site and scoped the system size, Lower Columbia CAP provided the housing site and connection to residents, and Blossom Solar designed and installed the system. The collaborative effort also reduced project costs while overcoming technical challenges in connecting solar generation across multiple apartment buildings.
“BEF is proud to support Cowlitz PUD and Lower Columbia CAP in demonstrating how community solar can reduce all residents' energy costs. Thanks to the innovative partnership and funding from the WSU Energy Program, residents of CAP properties will see utility savings for years to come,” BEF said.
"The project addresses a growing need for affordable energy solutions, particularly for low-income households that often face higher energy burdens and have few opportunities to participate in renewable energy programs. By bringing solar directly to affordable housing, the partnership creates long-term savings for residents while supporting local clean energy goals," the PUD said.
Cowlitz PUD is working to expand access to renewable energy. To support projects like Soundview, the PUD modified its policies to allow for this crediting.
The PUD also expanded its net metering program to provide full retail-rate net metering for systems up to 200 kW, double the size required under state rules.
In addition, the PUD directs the energy value of annual excess generation from customer-owned solar systems to its low-income assistance programs, creating broader community benefits from local renewable energy investments.
The partners hope the Soundview project will serve as a model for future affordable housing solar projects throughout Washington and inspire additional collaboration that expands access to clean, locally generated energy, the PUD noted.
