Nestled in the heart of wine country in Temecula, California, Madera Vista Apartments is a 110-unit mixed-income project, which is the first multi-family solar installation in this region for GRID Alternatives Inland Empire. Phase one of the Madera Vista project commenced in early January 2019. The first of 13 buildings scheduled to receive solar is a section that contains 20 affordable housing units for seniors.
Despite the recent rainstorm that Southern California experienced, the project is still on schedule. “This is a very unique and challenging project,” said Project Manager and GRID IE Multifamily Consultant Anthony Papavero. “We are essentially installing 13 individual projects on one occupied site. Our team is doing a great job managing the logistics and communication with the site management team, while also providing a safe and efficient work environment,” said Anthony.
GRID construction team and volunteers completed site preparation during the first week of January and began laying the racking system on the roof of Building 6 of the project. The solar panels are the next step, which is anticipated to be finished by the end of January. GRID IE is also working with Southern California Edison’s (SCE) planner on interconnection design and implementation who will provide the most effective “power down” schedule for all of the buildings. “The interconnection process can be the most complex part of any PV installation,” explained Anthony. “This particular project has 13 grid interconnections, each requiring special engineering and inspection. The GRID IE team has worked very closely with SCE to assure that everything is installed safely and correctly.”
GRID IE Outreach team has been working with the site manager to keep the tenants informed of the project details. Madera Vista Apartments are managed by Bridge Housing. The project is slated to be complete by spring of this year. Plans for a ribbon-cutting ceremony are forthcoming upon the completion of the project.
Learn more about GRID Alternatives Multi-Family program.