GenPro Energy Development Launches 1.3 MW Solar Project for Rapid City Affordable Housing

GenPro Energy Development has commenced 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 forms part of Elmington Capital Group's $78 million Camden Heights development, representing one of the largest affordable housing initiatives in the region and marking a significant advancement in renewable energy accessibility for low-income communities.

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 substantial energy offset will directly benefit seniors and families residing in the affordable housing units by stabilizing and reducing their utility costs. The project demonstrates how renewable energy solutions can be effectively integrated into affordable housing developments to create more sustainable living environments for vulnerable populations.

Molly Brown, Managing Partner at GenPro Energy Development, emphasized the project's broader implications, stating that the initiative exemplifies the company's mission to build projects that promote economic development at the local level. By bringing solar power directly to affordable housing, the project creates a replicable model for sustainable community development that other South Dakota cities can adopt. The partnership between Elmington and GenPro Energy Development showcases how private developers and renewable energy specialists can collaborate to address affordable housing challenges comprehensively.

The Camden Heights Solar Project represents a collaborative effort involving multiple 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 particularly instrumental in advancing the vision of affordable, sustainable housing for Rapid City's families and seniors. This multi-stakeholder approach demonstrates how public-private partnerships can drive innovation in both housing and energy sectors simultaneously.

This project's significance extends beyond immediate energy savings for residents. It establishes a new standard for integrating renewable energy into affordable housing development, potentially influencing future housing projects throughout the region. The successful implementation of this model could encourage other developers to incorporate similar renewable energy solutions, contributing to broader environmental goals while addressing energy affordability concerns for low-income households. The project's location and scale make it particularly noteworthy as it serves one of South Dakota's key urban centers while demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale solar integration in affordable housing developments.