New Program Merges Community Solar and Weatherization to Aid Manufactured Homes

Photo byReVision Energy

In the ongoing push toward more sustainable living, a new initiative is paving the way for residents of manufactured homes—often referred to as "mobile" homes—to break free from the financial constraints of high energy bills. A report from Berkeley Lab explores how combining community solar with weatherization efforts can significantly lower energy costs for some of the country’s most financially strained households.

Manufactured homes house some of the lowest-income families in the United States, with their average annual income hovering around $28,115—dramatically lower than the $75,760 earned by those in single-family homes. The high energy burden in these homes is further exacerbated by inefficient heating systems, with roughly 26% of manufactured homes in Michigan relying on expensive propane or electric resistance heating.

Recognizing this need, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) requested technical assistance through the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Community Solar Partnership (NCSP). In response, Berkeley Lab conducted an in-depth analysis, which led to the development of a program model that could revolutionize energy consumption for these communities. While the study focuses on Michigan, the outlined strategies and recommendations are applicable nationwide.

The core of the program envisions a two-pronged approach—integrating community solar with weatherization upgrades in manufactured homes. Traditional energy-saving techniques, like insulation, often prove ineffective due to the structural limitations of these homes, such as narrow wall cavities. However, new advances in cold-weather heat pumps provide a way forward. These heat pumps can dramatically improve both heating and cooling efficiency, making homes more resilient to extreme weather conditions.

The integration of community solar further enhances this model. By subscribing to community solar projects, residents can receive solar bill credits, which can offset energy costs. In Michigan, where harsh winters drive up heating bills, synchronizing these solar credits with winter heating expenses could make a significant difference. This dual approach not only addresses the inefficiencies of the homes themselves but also provides a renewable energy solution that can alleviate seasonal spikes in utility bills.

The report provides a roadmap for EGLE to prioritize program delivery, establish eligibility criteria for communities and households, and tap into federal and state funding. Ultimately, the goal is to offer high-efficiency heat pumps powered by community solar energy, reducing the cost of the largest energy burden for Michigan’s manufactured homes—heating.

This model serves as a blueprint for challenging the norms of energy equity, proving that innovative solutions can elevate underserved communities. By merging solar power and energy efficiency, this program could set a precedent for how renewable energy can transform lives in ways that extend beyond the grid.