Solar Arrays Improve Quality of Life for INHS Tenants
INHS prioritizes the needs of the environment, with sustainability being at the core of its values. With smart construction practices and utilizing solar panel systems, the organization is doing its part to be energy efficient, enhancing the quality of life for its residents and its community.
Its 210 Hancock development in the City of Ithaca, with 54 rental units, has solar arrays on its roof, a collection of multiple solar panels that generate electricity as a system. Since its installation in September 2018, it has produced 300 MWh of electricity (that’s 300,000 KWh, the normal units you see on your electric bill) which is utilized by its residents. Similarly, Glen Lake Apartments in Watkins Glen with 34 units has produced 68 MWh of electricity (or 68,428 KWh) since its installation in February 2022.
At 10 cents a KWh, that’s $36,887 worth of electricity! According to EPA standard numbers, that is equivalent to:
- 51 homes’ electricity used for one year
- 17,011,632 smartphones charged
- 659,000 miles driven by an average passenger vehicle
- 25,313 gallons of diesel consumed
Construction on all of its buildings and developments include these sustainability features:
- No tropical woods – avoids tropical deforestation
- Green Label Plus hard-surface flooring or Green Label Plus carpet – improves indoor air quality
- Low VOC paints – less solvents and air pollution
- Water Sense® toilets (use 20% less water than regular low flush toilets)
- 5 gpm aerators on lavatory faucets (use 75% less water than regular faucets)
- 75 gpm or less shower heads (use 20% less water than regular shower heads)
- Energy Star appliances
After the renovations of Ithaca City Apartments that included energy efficiency upgrades, a long-time resident said of her experience, “When I received my first utility bill, I thought it was a mistake because it was so much lower than before the renovations. This project has fed my physical, social, emotional and financial well-being. Thank you to INHS for making my home a better place to live.”
Homebuyer Class: In-Person, One-Day/All-Day April 25 in Auburn NY ($20 Special)
