Main Street Power in Boulder, Colorado is getting creative when it comes to finding ways to finance solar energy projects in some of the poorest neighborhoods in Denver and Pueblo, Colorado.

The power company is using state renewable energy credits and federal investment tax credits to finance the 33 total projects at schools, correctional facilities and municipal buildings. By installing the solar energy systems in poor areas, Main Street Power will also be able to utilize federal development tax credits.

What Main Street Power is doing is making use of the New Markets Tax Credits for under-served communities. According to the Denver Post, Main Street is calling the project an instance of both renewable energy development and economic development: the new projects will create construction jobs for those who have recently completed solar training programs and, meanwhile, will generate clean power that will reduce utility bills for people who can most benefit from such savings.

The financing program for all 33 projects combined totals $18 million. Each project is expected to account for 20-30 percent of each building’s energy needs. Through 20-year power purchasing agreements (PPAs), Main Street Power will sell the electricity to Denver Public Schools, Pueblo County and the Colorado Department of Corrections. The rates are expected to be lower than that of state utilities.