Habitat for Humanity completes neighborhood with solar panels

Habitat for Humanity of Dane County announced last week the completion of a new eight-home neighborhood on Kay Court in Oregon, featuring four twin homes—all equipped with solar panels. This 1.3-acre development brings the number of Habitat homes built in the Oregon/Brooklyn area to 21, with these newest additions marking a milestone in sustainability and affordable housing.

According to a Habitat for Humanity news release, due to the generosity of donors Peggy Garties and Jamie Campbell, all eight homes in the Kay Court neighborhood are now powered by solar energy.

The first four homes had their panels installed last year with additional funding from Focus on Energy, and the final four were outfitted earlier this month. Each system is designed to generate approximately 8,100 kWh annually per home, helping to reduce energy bills and the environmental footprint of each household.

“Peggy and Jamie, long-time advocates for environmental causes, chose to make a lasting impact on both the planet and local families by supporting Habitat’s mission while promoting sustainability,” the release read. “Their donation made it possible to equip the last four homes with solar panels, and they have already pledged to fund the solar installations on four more Habitat homes in Sun Prairie later this year.”

“I love how Habitat has embraced the idea of powering these homes with solar energy,” said Jamie Campbell. “This effort will greatly reduce the monthly utility bills for these new homeowners while working toward addressing the ever-growing challenges of climate change.”

The solar panel systems, installed by Midwest Solar Power, include high-efficiency Emmvee and Hyundai modules and GoodWe and SMA inverters, ensuring long-term performance and reliability. Each installation contributes significantly to the overall sustainability goals of Habitat for Humanity of Dane County and offers Habitat homeowners reduced utility costs and energy independence.

“These homes are a perfect example of how environmental responsibility and affordable housing can go hand-in-hand,” said Hilary Parker, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Dane County. “Thanks to our generous supporters, hardworking volunteers, and dedicated partner families, we’re not only building homes—we’re building a brighter, greener future.”

Habitat for Humanity of Dane County is continuing its mission to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for local families. With more developments on the horizon—including the upcoming homes in Sun Prairie—this project sets a powerful precedent for how affordable housing can embrace clean energy.

To learn more about how you can support sustainable housing through Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, visit habitatdane.org.