City First Enterprises and DC Green Bank Finance Solar Energy System at Ward 7 Church
Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Washington, D.C. – DC Green Bank and City First Enterprises today announced financing through a small business loan partnership for a rooftop solar system at First National Baptist Church in Ward 7 in Southeast DC. The $115,000 loan to ROI Solar will fund the installation of a 32kw solar power system on the church’s roof, saving an estimated $10,000 on its utility bills annually. The system will generate almost 43,000 kWh annually, cutting carbon emissions equivalent to 76,000 miles driven by car. This loan is part of an ongoing partnership between DC Green Bank and City First Enterprises to finance clean energy projects by small businesses.
“We’re proud to help deliver the benefits of solar energy to a local house of worship and continue to expand the clean economy East of the River,” said Trisha Miller, CEO of DC Green Bank. “Our partnership with City First Enterprises, and deals like these, are laying the groundwork for the tens of millions of dollars we will invest to bring clean energy and utility bill savings to communities across DC.”
“This project is a unique opportunity to support a local business in building expertise in clean energy and helping a community organization save money through solar power,” said Oswaldo Acosta, President and CEO of City First Enterprises. “Our partnership makes it easier for us to provide capital for solar projects like this one, and we look forward to continuing to work with DC Green Bank to transform communities in DC.”
“Having had solar panels installed for three months has been a fantastic opportunity for the church,” said Mildred Joyner, a congregation member at First National Baptist Church. “It has significantly reduced our electric bill, and we truly enjoyed working with ROI Construction to complete this project.”
First National Baptist Church is located at 5400 D St SE.
Read the press release here.
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About City First Enterprises
City First Enterprises is a certified CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) specializing in flexible lending for affordable housing, commercial real estate, small businesses, non-profits, and clean energy projects. With a mission to create equitable financial solutions to support people and communities in achieving their economic aspirations, we envision a future where all people and communities transform their futures through equitable access to capital.
About DC Green Bank
DC Green Bank develops and facilitates innovative financial solutions to support District businesses, organizations, and residents on the path to a cleaner future for all. We invest in solar energy systems, energy-efficient buildings and retrofits, green stormwater infrastructure, and transportation electrification in line with our values of Sustainability, a Clean Economy, and Inclusive Prosperity. To date, DC Green Bank has invested millions of dollars in a cleaner, greener, and more equitable future. To learn more, please visit us at www.dcgreenbank.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2024
CONTACT:
Jasmine Williams
Communications and Development Manager
City First Enterprises
jasmine@cfenterprises.org
202-536-5838
Dan Lebiednik
Communications and Outreach Manager
DC Green Bank
dlebiednik@dcgreenbank.com
202-301-8308
