Lowering Housing Costs Through Clean Energy
Housing Nantucket recently completed a new 7-kW rooftop solar installation at one of our affordable rental homes. The system is expected to generate approximately 8.5 MWh of clean electricity each year, helping reduce operating costs while making the property more energy efficient for years to come.
This project was made possible through the generosity of our donors and the continued partnership of Remain and the Community Foundation for Nantucket. Their investments allow us to pair affordable housing with sustainable infrastructure, ensuring that every dollar goes further for the families we serve.
The project reflects a growing commitment to renewable energy as a tool for both environmental stewardship and housing affordability. While solar panels generate clean energy, they also create tangible financial benefits by lowering overall housing costs for residents and reducing long-term operating costs across Housing Nantucket’s properties. These savings help strengthen the financial sustainability of the organization’s housing programs, allowing more resources to be directed toward maintaining existing homes and creating new housing opportunities for Nantucket’s workforce.
This latest installation builds upon several years of investment in solar infrastructure as part of a larger strategy. In 2022, Housing Nantucket completed the first phase of its renewable energy initiative, installing solar photovoltaic systems at five rental properties. The project added 39.5 kW of renewable energy capacity and generated more than 22 MWh of clean energy within its first months of operation. Since then, the organization has expanded its efforts through additional solar installations at rental homes, including recently completed systems on Surfside Road and Benjamin Drive, as well as the 120-kW solar carport at Wiggles Way, Housing Nantucket’s 22-unit workforce housing development.
Together, these projects demonstrate how thoughtful investments in clean energy can support long-term housing affordability. As energy costs continue to rise, renewable energy offers an opportunity to reduce household expenses while helping ensure Housing Nantucket’s properties remain sustainable and resilient for generations to come.
The impact can be felt directly by residents. As tenant Rose Marie shared:
“One of the greatest benefits of the solar panels is that I know my family is using clean energy to power our home. We also appreciate that the money we are saving from lower utility bills can be used for our son’s education.”
Her experience reflects the broader value of these investments. For many families, lower utility bills provide financial breathing room that can be redirected toward childcare, education, transportation, healthcare, and other household needs. At the same time, solar energy helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supports Nantucket’s broader climate and resilience goals.
Housing Nantucket is grateful to our donors, especially Remain and the Community Foundation for Nantucket for their continued partnership in advancing renewable energy solutions across the island. Their support has helped make these projects possible and demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing both environmental and community challenges. By investing in projects that reduce housing-related expenses and increase sustainability, these organizations are helping strengthen Nantucket’s year-round community for the long term.
Every investment in Housing Nantucket creates lasting impact. By supporting projects like this, our donors and community partners are helping us reduce the cost of housing today while building a stronger, more sustainable housing portfolio for tomorrow. Thank you for helping us create housing that is not only attainable, but efficient, resilient, and built to serve Nantucket’s year-round community for generations to come.
