2025-096-E-County Mgr-Solar Equity-Solar on St Joseph CME Church

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Below is a set of expanded details for each proposed project, in rank order per HRC and CFE scoring. The quoted text was pulled directly from various sections of the submitted applications. Also summarized below are the comments from the HRC and the CFE, along with scores and funding recommendations. #1 Ranked Project – Trees for the Triangle – Tree Planting at Schools Applicant (Collaborators): Dedicated to Our Community of North Carolina (DOC NC) Funding Requested: $50,000 Recommended Funding Level: $50,000 Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 22.1 Project Description: Trees for the Triangle will use the funds to plant 260 native trees and distribute 2,600 seedlings across 13 schools in Orange County, promoting tree equity and environmental enhancement. The funds will support tree planting, data‐driven site selection, and community engagement, prioritizing schools in rural, underserved areas. Project Benefits: This investment will create cooler, healthier, and more resilient communities for current and future generations, while increasing community engagement and access to green spaces. Economic development will be supported by showcasing career options for students, conducting skill‐building activities, offering volunteer and internship opportunities and sourcing materials from local nurseries and businesses. The program is expected to benefit approximately 55,000 students and school staff over the lifespan of the trees. In addition, an estimated 6,300 people will benefit from the 2,600 seedlings distributed during educational presentations, including the students' families who receive seedlings, as well as school faculty and staff who frequently visit the schools. Reviewer Comments: The CFE strongly supports this project, praising its focus on benefiting Orange County schools and their surrounding communities. They value the lasting impact it will have through tree planting, which offers enduring environmental and social benefits. Similarly, the HRC appreciates the project’s emphasis on rural Orange County schools, particularly those serving high‐minority and low‐income populations. Both commissions are enthusiastic about the educational opportunities embedded in the project and its overall positive impact on the community. #2 Ranked Project – Habitat for Humanity – Rooftop Solar Applicant (Collaborators): N/A Funding Requested: $100,000 Recommended Funding Level: $50,000 Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 21.7 Project Description: Habitat for Humanity of Orange County proposes to install rooftop solar panels on fourteen newly constructed affordable Habitat homes in Habitat’s Weavers Grove Community in Chapel Hill. Project Benefits: The solar installations will help to address inequities in access to green technology in Orange County, while promoting environmental and resident health by decreasing the amount of fossil fuels burned. Limiting monthly energy costs is a critical component of housing affordability. The addition of a 5.4‐kW rooftop solar system will save each qualified Habitat household approximately $780 per year in energy costs. Reviewer Comments: This project, submitted by a trusted and highly productive organization, was recognized as excellent by the CFE. However, partial funding was awarded to ensure the 2024 CCAG funding could support a diverse range of projects. The HRC values this initiative for its focus on providing affordable, energy‐efficient housing to low‐income and underserved communities. #3 Ranked Project – Empowerment – Rooftop Solar Applicant (Collaborators): SolarEquity Inc. Funding Requested: $19,800 Recommended Funding Level: $19,800 Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 20.9 8Docusign Envelope ID: 257985C7-FC41-4937-8E64-B610C38DBA58