SAN DIEGO—Adroit Solar Energy Engineering has completed installing a 143-foot-tall solar photovoltaic system on Celadon at 9th & Broadway, an affordable high-rise nearing completion in downtown San Diego. Research shows that the array, built as a vertical façade on the south side of the building, is the tallest electric solar system of its kind in the US. Celadon is a development of BRIDGE Housing, a leading nonprofit developer, owner and manager of affordable housing.

Adroit installed the 32.5kW DC power façade PV solar system, which will generate power for the building's common areas. Out of the 125 solar panels, 85 have black frames, and 40 have silver frames, forming a stepladder design on the top floors. The translucent silver-framed panels allow for some sunlight to pass through, and this modern solar aesthetic also serves as a functional shaded area for residents enjoying the view.

“With the increasing demand for urban living and high-rise high density living spaces, solar PV façades are key to offsetting expensive common area loads such as elevator loads while maximizing on available solar real-estate and maintaining cool-looking modern aesthetic. We are looking forward to designing and installing more in the future,” says William Chen, Adroit's VP of Engineering.

The 17-story high-rise will feature 250 affordable rental apartments for individuals and small families. Eighty-eight of the apartments are targeted to be supportive housing, including 25 units for youth aging out of foster care and adults under the MHSA program; 63 apartments will serve frail seniors under the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

The apartments will be affordable to residents with annual incomes of up to $37,920 for a two-person household. Monthly rents will range from approximately $533 to $879, depending on factors such as income, household and apartment size.

”We are committed to integrating energy efficiency into all aspects of our affordable housing development and operations,” said Cynthia Parker, president & CEO of BRIDGE Housing. “The PV array and other systems at Celadon will help us achieve our 'Big Reach' goal of cutting energy use 20% by 2020.”

Above the roof, Adroit installed a solar hot water system that will offset an estimated 50% of the entire building's hot water needs. Celadon is expected to be LEED Silver certified and will have other highly efficient mechanical systems as well as an eco-roof with drought tolerant plantings.

Financing for Celadon at 9th & Broadway is being provided by US Bank, US Bank CDC, City of San Diego, California Department of Housing and Community Development, California Housing Finance Agency/County of San Diego BHS, and the San Diego Housing Commission. Studio E Architects is the design architecture firm, MVE Institutional, Inc. is the architect of record, and the general contractor is Turner Construction Company/Highland Partnership.

A time-lapsed webcam of the building's construction is available online.

Instant Insights /

Vertical Solar Array Installed at Affordable Housing Project

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