WISCASSET — Deer Ridge Apartments in Wiscasset, ME, is the first affordable housing complex in the community to strive for net-zero energy status.
Owned by CEI, Deer Ridge Apartments offers 27 housing units for seniors with low-incomes. CEI’s goal for a high level of energy efficiency is made possible through the availability of tax incentives, appropriately priced technology, and a special financial arrangement with The Power Company of Washington, ME, allowing CEI to reap the benefits of doing a renewable energy project with no upfront costs.
MEPS was commissioned by CEI to provide an energy audit, which identified measures to achieve the net-zero goal. These include insulating and air sealing, replacing the existing electric based board with air-source heat-pumps, and installing PV trackers. The audit also provided financial models for potential savings and return on investment. The purchase of the heat pumps was made possible by Efficiency Maine’s Low Income Multifamily Weatherization Program.
Dual axis trackers follow the sun daily from east to west, and seasonally adjust to the suns arch in the sky. The three trackers were manufactured by AllEarth Renewables of Vermont, and each consist of 24 255 watt modules. The total production of the three trackers is anticipated to be 33,000 kilowatts per year. CEI and The Power Company are in discussions about implementing the next phase of the solar project to achieve the net-zero goal.
Founded in 1977, CEI is a Maine-based nonprofit community development corporation (CDC) and community development finance institution (CDFI) whose mission is to help create economically and environmentally healthy communities in which all people, especially those with low incomes, can reach their full potential.
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