Courtesy of the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) via Kalen Na’il Roach.
The historic Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., has added a new 106.82-kW rooftop solar array paired with storage with help from the DC Green Bank and DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU).
The Howard Theatre is the oldest theater built for African American entertainment in U.S. history and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
The solar upgrades, paired with HVAC improvements, were financed by a $775,000 loan from DC Green Bank, more than $35,000 in incentives from DCSEU and a $700,500 African American Civil Rights Grant from the National Park Service, through the DC Preservation League.
DC Green Bank provided loan readiness support and technical assistance through its Community Impact Initiative, which provides low-interest loans to community-serving organizations. The DCSEU also provided engineering reviews and support to make the project possible.
Uprise Solar, a District Certified Business Enterprise, installed the solar and battery system.
“The Howard Theatre’s solar, battery storage, and chiller installation directly aligns with the Mayor’s goals,” said Richard Jackson, director of the DC Department of Energy and Environment. “This project is a model of sustainable preservation, paired with cultural heritage in climate leadership. These are the type of projects the District government wants to support so our city can ensure a reliable grid for future generations to come.”
News item from the DC Green Bank
