Arch Solar announced it recently installed a 191-kWDC solar project on a newly constructed affordable housing and community library complex in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The installation is expected to offset 38% of the site’s total electricity usage.
The project is part of a broader City of Milwaukee initiative to produce onsite renewable power in underserved neighborhoods. Serving a low-income neighborhood with 93 townhouse-style apartments and a newly renovated public library, the project supports long-term affordability by directly reducing utility costs for residents, including units allocated for reduced rent.
“Ease of installation, centralized monitoring and consistency across multiple sites were key considerations,” said Andrew Holmstrom, business development supervisor at Arch Solar. “Managing three separate rooftops with different configurations is much simpler when you have a unified platform. The longer string design with power optimizers reduced our balance of system costs, with fewer homerun cables, less conduit and reduced labor, while delivering reliable performance across all locations.”
Arch Solar used a combination of SolarEdge SE50K and SE10K inverters and dual-input power optimizers, enabling longer string lengths, fewer homerun cables and reduced balance-of-system (BoS) costs. This setup not only streamlined installation but also helped keep the project within tight budget parameters typical of affordable housing development.
While each building features a different ownership model, the system’s energy savings are designed to directly benefit both residential tenants and community operations, contributing to greater economic stability and quality of life.
“Affordable housing should come with affordable energy,” said Chuck Ellis, VP of commercial and industrial sales at SolarEdge. “This project demonstrates how smart solar design can deliver measurable impact where it matters most.”
News item from Arch Electric
