Lighthouse Leading the Way
Lighthouse Solar is leading the charge in Austin’s renewable energy transformation across diverse communities in Austin. Lighthouse has realized projects with commercial clients, affordable housing developers, non-profits, and planned residential communities, all across a wide array of scales and applications. Notable commercial projects include partners like Google, faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) and Foundation Communities. These projects demonstrate how the benefits of solar flow to the clients, residents and members of our direct customers.
The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA): Powering Communities
One of Lighthouse Solar’s most impactful portfolio is its partnership with HACA, the Housing Authority of the City of Austin. Across a series of modern affordable housing developments like the Pathways at Chalmers Court, this vital initiative is delivering solar energy to underserved communities. The benefits of solar are realized by the residents directly through the innovative program at Austin Energy called Shared Solar. The output from a single large array on the roof is allocated virtually to each residents bill and can save up to 30% on their annual energy spend. This initiative not only supports families financially but also demonstrates how clean energy can address equity challenges.
In addition to installation, Lighthouse works closely with HACA to plan future projects, provides ongoing maintenance, resident education and is working to replicate the model for other like minded developers. This project underscores the company’s commitment to integrating clean energy into the fabric of the community while empowering residents with the tools and knowledge to embrace renewable solutions.
Block 185 aka Google Tower aka Sail Tower: Corporate Innovation
At the other end of the spectrum, Lighthouse Solar partnered with DPR Construction to integrate solar energy into the building fabric that Google will lease. This small but highly complex solar installation is a visual touchpoint seen from the lake and reminds us in Austin that downtown buildings can participate in the clean energy revolution.
The solar system, strategically designed as integrated solar pergolas on two of the lake fronted outdoor decks (pro tip: Levels 11 and 16) complement the building’s modern architecture and underscores Lighthouse Solar’s ability to execute complex commercial projects. Because downtown Austin has its own electric grid structure with unique demands, it requires sophisticated controls and extensive coordination with the utility to realize the project. The lessons learned from this kind of project have elevated Lighthouse Solar's capabilities, resulting in more efficient processes benefiting all customers.
Churches: Faith in Sustainability
Lighthouse has also worked extensively with a broad range of faith-based and non-profit institutions to bring solar power to spaces of faith and community service. For many congregations, rising utility costs presented a barrier to their mission. By installing solar panels, Lighthouse Solar reduced energy expenses, allowing these churches to better direct funds toward critical community ministries such as food pantries, youth initiatives, and shelters.
Scaling Commercial Success for Residential Solutions
The expertise Lighthouse Solar has gained through its commercial projects directly enhances its residential offerings. By working on commercial scaled installations, the company has developed advanced processes, access to cutting-edge technologies, and cost efficiencies that benefit individual homeowners.
- Cost-Effective Installations: Workflow improvements, greater design adaptability and enhanced coordination with utilities and municipalities result in greater operational efficiency. These efficiencies flow across our portfolio of projects, yielding lower cost, higher quality and more tailored solutions for residential projects.
- Innovative Technology: The high-performance systems designed for commercial spaces are adapted for residential use, bringing state-of-the-art solutions to Austin families.
- Enhanced Expertise: The experience gained from realizing complex installations and multiple stakeholder management sharpens the core capabilities, ensuring homeowners receive professional, high-quality service.
A Ripple Effect Across Austin
Lighthouse Solar’s work with HACA, Google, churches, and nonprofits is more than a collection of projects—it’s a movement to democratize clean energy by meeting the tailored needs of each of our customers. These high-profile and community-focused initiatives inspire others to adopt solar solutions, fostering a city-wide commitment to sustainability.
