Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
October 07, 2025
South Dakota's Largest Affordable Housing Project Goes Solar
TLDR
- GenPro Energy Development's Camden Heights Solar Project creates a replicable model that gives developers a competitive advantage in sustainable affordable housing development.
- The 999kW-ac ground-mounted solar system at 1700 Camden Drive will offset 90% of energy needs for 252 apartment units through distributed generation technology.
- This project makes renewable energy accessible to low-income communities, reducing utility costs for seniors and families while creating sustainable community development.
- A 999kW solar installation now powers seven affordable housing buildings in Rapid City, demonstrating how solar can transform community energy infrastructure.
Impact - Why it Matters
This project represents a critical advancement in making renewable energy accessible to low-income communities, addressing both environmental sustainability and economic equity. By integrating solar power directly into affordable housing infrastructure, it tackles the energy burden that disproportionately affects low-income households, who typically spend a higher percentage of their income on utilities. The 90% energy offset translates to substantial cost savings for seniors and families, providing financial stability while reducing carbon emissions. This model demonstrates how clean energy solutions can be scaled to benefit vulnerable populations, creating a blueprint that other communities can replicate to address both climate change and housing affordability challenges simultaneously.
Summary
GenPro Energy Development has officially launched construction on the transformative Camden Heights Solar Project in Rapid City, South Dakota. This ambitious 999kW-ac solar installation will power seven affordable housing buildings containing 252 apartment units, representing a groundbreaking partnership between renewable energy specialists and affordable housing developers. The project forms a crucial component of Elmington Capital Group's $78 million Camden Heights development, one of the region's largest affordable housing initiatives. Located at 1700 Camden Drive in northeast Rapid City, the ground-mounted solar system is projected to generate clean energy that will offset approximately 90% of the apartment complex's energy needs, delivering substantial utility cost savings to senior and family residents.
The collaboration between GenPro Energy Development and Elmington demonstrates how private developers and renewable energy experts can create comprehensive solutions for affordable housing challenges. Molly Brown, Managing Partner at GenPro Energy Development, emphasized that the project exemplifies their mission to promote economic development at the local level while creating a replicable model for sustainable community development that other South Dakota cities can adopt. The project's success relies on a robust partnership network 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 the community's families and seniors.
GenPro Energy Development brings over 20 years of specialized experience in solar development, particularly for public power entities, municipalities, and affordable housing projects. Based in Piedmont, SD, the company specializes in distributed generation solutions that drive economic growth across the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and Midwest regions. Meanwhile, Elmington Capital Group has established itself as a leading developer of affordable housing communities with a strong focus on creating sustainable, well-designed developments. The Camden Heights project represents a significant advancement in integrating renewable energy solutions directly into affordable housing infrastructure, setting new standards for sustainable community development throughout the region and demonstrating how clean energy can be made accessible to low-income populations.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, South Dakota's Largest Affordable Housing Project Goes Solar
