GenPro Energy Development Launches 1.3 MW Solar Project for Rapid City Affordable Housing
GenPro Energy Development has begun construction on a 999kW solar installation that will power 252 affordable housing units in Rapid City, creating a model for renewable energy integration in low-income communities while reducing utility costs for residents.
GenPro Energy Development announced the start of construction on the Camden Heights Solar Project, a 999kW-ac solar installation that will power seven affordable housing buildings containing 252 apartment units in Rapid City, South Dakota. The solar component is part of Elmington Capital Group's ambitious $78 million Camden Heights development, one of the largest affordable housing initiatives in the region.
The ground-mounted solar system, located at 1700 Camden Drive in northeast Rapid City, will generate clean energy to offset approximately 90% of the apartment complex's energy needs. This project represents a significant step forward in making renewable energy accessible to low-income communities while reducing utility costs for seniors and families. The partnership demonstrates how private developers and renewable energy specialists can work together to create comprehensive solutions for affordable housing challenges.
"This project exemplifies the mission of GenPro Energy Development, which is to build projects that promote economic development at the local level," said Molly Brown, Managing Partner at GenPro Energy Development. "By bringing solar power directly to affordable housing, we're not just stabilizing and reducing energy costs for the Camden Heights residents – we're creating a replicable model for sustainable community development that other South Dakota cities can adopt."
The Camden Heights Solar Project is made possible through a collaboration of key partners, including Elmington, Black Hills Energy, the City of Rapid City, the South Dakota Housing Authority, and the Black Hills Area Community Foundation. The City of Rapid City's commitment has been instrumental in advancing the vision of affordable, sustainable housing for Rapid City's families and seniors. Elmington, the developer behind the broader Camden Heights initiative, selected GenPro Energy Development to design and implement the solar component of this transformative project.
This initiative marks an important advancement in integrating renewable energy solutions into affordable housing development, setting a new standard for sustainable community development in the region. The project's success could serve as a blueprint for similar developments across South Dakota and beyond, demonstrating that clean energy accessibility and affordable housing can be successfully combined to benefit vulnerable populations while promoting environmental sustainability.