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

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Project Description: Last year, Empowerment received $61,623 in Community Climate Action Grant funds for solar installation on the PEACH Apartments. This year, Empowerment is asking for funds that will go towards the cost of a panel box tailored to PEACH’s electrical system and $4,300 worth of labor provided by NC Solar Now. This panel box and labor is necessary to finish the solar project. Project Benefits: The solarization of the PEACH Apartments will provide around 55,000 kWh of energy every year, saving $5,534 worth of energy costs. Consequently, the average tenant will see their energy bills reduced by approximately $46/month, or 6S%. The energy savings felt by those living in the PEACH Apartments may stimulate an additional $22,080 of local economic activity. About 156 people—assuming tenant turnover rate is 5 years—will directly benefit from the project, and the entire Pine Knolls Neighborhood will indirectly benefit from the project. Reviewer Comments: The CFE strongly recommends full funding of $19,800 for this project, recognizing it as a robust and compelling application. This initiative has the potential to serve as a model for low‐income housing, demonstrating innovation and impact. Additionally, the HRC values the project's direct benefits to low‐income and marginalized communities, including the provision of solar energy for a historically Black neighborhood. #4 Ranked Project – Eno River Association – Piedmont Prairie and Reforestation Applicant (Collaborators): Triangle Prescribed Burn Association (Through NC Cooperative Extension), Bluestem Community NC Funding Requested: $67,600 Recommended Funding Level: $22,600 Total Score (Out of 25 pts): 20.5 Project Description: Funding requested to convert a 14.2‐acre existing agricultural field to a Piedmont prairie and the reforestation of another 8.6‐acre agricultural field in the Confluence Natural Area in northern Orange County plus the purchase of a 2024 John Deere diesel tractor. Project Benefits: The restored Piedmont prairie site will attract both wildlife and visitors, and positively benefit agricultural production as flowers begin to bloom, and native plants provide food and habitat for insects, birds, and other native fauna. The prairie will also improve the health of the soil and water of Orange County. These nature‐ based solutions will decrease CO2 emissions from previous cropland production as well as sequester carbon and the benefits will increase over time as trees grow larger and native Piedmont prairie plants mature. Through both passive and active learning, over 10,000 visitors and around 500 students annually will learn about the vast benefits of these habitats and how they might establish these habitats in their backyards. Reviewer Comments: The CFE strongly supports the nature‐based solution of prairie restoration and has approved partial funding of $22,600 for the project (funding will cover prairie restoration efforts only, not the diesel tractor). This project will take place at a heavily visited park, and the Eno River Association brings a robust camp and educational component to the initiative. The HRC appreciates the Association’s direct work with Title 1 schools, providing valuable opportunities for underserved students. While there is some engagement with marginalized groups, the project is not specifically focused on racial equity. Nonetheless, it offers educational benefits for visitors of all income levels and ethnic backgrounds. #5 Ranked Project – SolarEquity – Rooftop Solar Applicant (Collaborators): Funding Requested: $78,251 Recommended Funding Level: $50,000 Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 19.1 Project Description: The installation of a 23.4‐kW solar array on the roof of the church, including a partial roof replacement, the cost of the solar equipment, and the cost of the labor to install the panels. 9Docusign Envelope ID: 257985C7-FC41-4937-8E64-B610C38DBA58