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D6. Please describe <br />any potential <br />negative side effects <br />of the project and <br />describe the steps <br />you are taking/will <br />take to eliminate or <br />minimize these <br />impacts to any low- <br />income or <br />marginalized <br />communities/households. <br />(200 word limit) <br />This project poses no direct risks to low-income or marginalized <br />stakeholders. However, two long-term considerations are being addressed. <br />First, only part of the church’s roof will be replaced prior to installation to <br />preserve eligibility for federal tax credits. This means the remaining section <br />may need future repairs. To support continuity, SolarEquity will connect the <br />church with the same contractor, ensuring a consistent, cost-effective <br />solution for future repairs. Second, the eventual end-of-life of the panels <br />(after ~25 years) may raise disposal concerns. Fortunately, Orange <br />County already has a growing secondary market for used solar panels, <br />such as through Habitat ReStores, and solar recycling infrastructure is <br />expanding nationally. NC Solar Now, the project installer, currently <br />subcontracts a local company to recycle decommissioned panels, and will <br />provide future support to the church when needed. These steps ensure <br />long-term sustainability while minimizing future financial or logistical burdens <br />on the community. <br />D7. Are the impacted <br />residents already <br />aware of the <br />potential positive and <br />negative impacts of <br />your project and the <br />steps you are <br />taking? If not, please <br />describe your plan to <br />engage with them <br />and how you will act <br />based on their input. <br />(200 word limit) <br />Yes, impacted residents are fully aware of both the potential benefits and <br />long-term considerations of the solar installation at the St. Joseph’s CME <br />Church. In April 2024, the SolarEquity team held a community meeting at <br />the church to present the proposal, following months of collaboration with <br />church leadership and the Jackson Center. The entire congregation was <br />invited, and broad participation ensured transparency and community <br />ownership of the project. During the session, SolarEquity presented NC <br />Solar Now’s proposal along with a technical assistance packet to build <br />energy literacy and answer questions. Community members raised <br />concerns about the roof’s structural integrity, panel selection, and long-term <br />ownership of the system. In response, SolarEquity made key changes: <br />selecting a different panel, adjusting the system design, and committing to <br />replacing part of the roof to avoid future costs to the church. <br />All major decisions were shaped by congregational feedback, and the <br />project moved forward only after receiving full support from both church <br />leadership and members. This dialogue will continue throughout <br />implementation. <br />Docusign Envelope ID: F42389BC-2D83-4E00-BC11-D720BFF48873