Cloisters Powers up, Brings Clean, Low-Cost Electricity to DC Residents

Washington D.C., Oct. 24, 2024 – Leading local organizations today powered up a solar array on an apartment complex in Northeast Washington, DC bringing clean electricity to DC residents at up to half the cost.

This 1.2 Megawatt system is housed on the Cloisters Apartment Complex. The project was the product of the DC Department of Energy and the Environment’s (DOEE) Solar for All program. It was the result of a partnership of DOEE, the District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU), which operates the Solar for All program, New Columbia Solar, a DC solar project developer, and Horning, a DC real estate company. It consists of 2,578 solar panels and will lower electricity bills by 50% for 325 homes in the District for the next 15 years.

“Clean energy isn’t just about reducing emissions—it is about equity and access,” said Thomas Bartholomew, Associate Director of the Policy and Compliance Division at DOEE. “Solar power can lower utility costs, improve health outcomes, and provide long-term stability. This project is a great example of how public and private partnerships can bring clean energy to our local community.” 

The Cloisters solar array will support the D.C. government’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 while helping D.C. residents use less energy and save on their electricity bills for the next 15 years.

“The impact of this project is felt at every level.” said Ben Burdick, DCSEU’s Senior Director, Operations. “Lower electricity costs for residents, growth and green jobs for local developers, and clean energy for the District. We’re proud to continue to bring the benefits of clean, renewable energy to the DC residents who need it most.”

The Solar for All program’s goal is to bring the benefits of solar energy to 100,000 low- to moderate-income families in all neighborhoods in the District of Columbia. DOEE is partnering with organizations across the district to install solar on single family homes and develop community solar projects to benefit renters and residents in multi-family buildings.

“As a DC company through and through, we could not be more excited to be a part of this innovative project,” said Mike Healy, Founder and CEO of New Columbia Solar. “This is the real promise of solar energy. It can be deployed in every neighborhood in America and bring energy to residents that truly will result in cleaner air at a lower cost.”

Community solar has seen exponential growth in the last few years as more and more states pass legislation setting up their own programs. D.C. has been a national leader in community solar, with programs stretching back to 2016. Solar for All allows income-qualified residents to sign up to a portion of the solar array at no cost and receive credits for what their portion of the system produces on their electricity bill. This project will help cut electricity costs in half for more than 325 income-qualified DC families through the Solar for All program.

“Horning is committed to doing our part to combat the climate crisis, and we view this solar project as an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for our residents – providing a healthier and more sustainable living environment – while contributing positively to the planet.”

ABOUT HORNING

Founded in 1958, Horning is known throughout the national capital region as a hometown firm that specializes in collaborative development and engaged management. Based on its founders’ beliefs in service, empowerment, collaboration, and integrity, Horning’s reputation and successes are built through partnerships with communities and service to residential and commercial customers. For more information, visit https://www.horningdc.com/.

Media Contact: Rediet Abebe | Director of Marketing, Horning, [email protected]

ABOUT NEW COLUMBIA SOLAR

New Columbia Solar is a Washington, DC-based solar energy company, financier, owner, and operator of commercial and industrial solar energy projects. Founded in 2016, the company has grown to be the largest and most comprehensive solar energy company in the District of Columbia. Our mission is to power every building in the District of Columbia with solar energy, making our city’s energy supply cleaner and more sustainable for generations to follow. For more information, visit www.newcolumbiasolar.com.

Media Contact: Ava Duane | Origination & Marketing Manager, New Columbia Solar, [email protected]

ABOUT THE DCSEU

The District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) is a community-minded organization committed to making energy efficiency and clean energy more accessible to every person and business in the District. Since 2011, as a contractor to DOEE, the DCSEU has provided industry-leading learning opportunities, expert hands-on assistance, and vital financial support that continues to save our communities both energy and money. The DCSEU currently operates the Solar for All program under contract to DOEE. For more information, visit www.dcseu.com.

Media Contact: Jahmai Sharp | Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications, DCSEU, [email protected].

ABOUT DOEE

The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is the leading authority on energy and environmental issues affecting the District of Columbia. Using a combination of regulations, outreach, education, and incentives, the agency administers programs and services to improve the quality of life for the residents and natural inhabitants of the nation’s capital by protecting and restoring the environment, conserving our natural resources, mitigating pollution, increasing access to clean and renewable energy, and educating the public on ways to secure a sustainable future.

Media Contact: Nicole Goines | Public Information Officer, DOEE, [email protected]