Solara

SOLARA is the first community in the nation to be fully powered by photovoltaic (solar) electricity and is recognized by the California Energy Commission as the first Zero Energy New Home (ZENH).  This groundbreaking, mixed-use development created 56 affordable apartments and a commercial office building on 2.5 acres in Poway, a suburban community 20 miles north of San Diego. SOLARA has been honored with numerous national awards including an Urban Land Institute Award of Excellence and the Pacific Coast Building Conference Gold Nugget Grand Award.   Designed and developed before the existence of the LEED for Homes program, SOLARA is recognized nationally for its innovative design and pioneered financing on photovoltaic and other sustainable systems.  With a third of the property located in the flood zone, CHW overcame challenging site conditions with a cost effective solution that placed a promenade atop a 425 foot retaining wall at the floodway which permitted an additional 12 apartments in the design.  Located close to shopping, transportation, jobs, the library and civic center, SOLARA reduced green house gases by 95% compared to a neighboring complex, equivalent to planting  5400 trees or taking 300 cars off the road annually. The project delivery was early and under budget and CHW returned funds to the public lenders.

Completion:                           2007
Unit Mix:                                  56 (8-1BD, 30-2BD, 18-3BD)
Financing:                                Union Bank, 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit Equity from
                                                     National Equity Fund, City of Poway Redevelopment Agency,
                                                     San Diego County HOME, Solar Rebates, Federal Investment
                                                     Energy Tax Credit
Budget:                                     $15,442,000
Project Team:                         Rodriguez Associates Architects & Planners, Inc.
                                                      Sun Country Builders, Inc. General Contractor
                                                      Nasland Engineering
Amenities:                               Learning Center Program, computer center room, community
                                                      room with kitchen, onsite laundry, covered parking, playground,
                                                      picnic and BBQ, organic fruit trees
Sustainable Features:          Solar photovoltaic electricity, tank-less hot water heaters,
                                                      dual flush toilets, and drought tolerant landscaping,
                                                      low/no VOC CBC paint, carpeting, and cabinetry, Energy Start
                                                      appliances, recycled building materials