When Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity was notified that they were the winners of a free solar system donated by Positive Energy Solar and ReneSola last year, they surprised everyone with their ambitious goal to become 90 percent solar-powered. Fundraising efforts to expand the system spurring from the grant are already well underway, which was launched at a community Upcycle Fair held last fall. Now, the first step towards meeting this goal will take place this Friday, January 16 at 10:30 a.m. at Habitat's ReStore (4900 Menaul Boulevard NE) when the scalable solar installation is turned on for the first time.
"We're so excited to go online with this solar system," stated Beth Goldman, director of resource development for Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity. "It's a demonstration of the Habitat commitment to stewarding our resources responsibly and being kind to the earth. We want to power our facility here in Albuquerque with the sun - to lead by example - and we want to incorporate renewable energy into the homes we build wherever possible."
The 2.5kW solar system is located on the ReStore building that also houses the company offices on Menaul Boulevard. It is the first phase of meeting Habitat's goal of attaining 90 percent solar power. "We are continuing to apply for funding to expand upon this system," Goldman said. "We've received two additional grants so far, one from PNM and the other from Wells Fargo." The Fall Upcycle Fair, a community celebration initiated in 2014 to raise awareness surrounding environmental issues, will become the annual event for Habitat's fundraising efforts.
"Our partners at Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity are excellent resources for people curious about going solar," stated Regina Wheeler, Positive Energy Solar CEO. "At Positive Energy Solar, we love connecting systems like this where we know the savings that come from going solar are being reinvested in a mission like Habitat's. They're leading the way for other non-profits to follow suit and discover how solar adds to their bottom line."
As the initial system is built upon, Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity's monthly expenses will continue to decrease, allowing more resources to flow back into the community through the work they perform daily. The 2.5kW system will save the non-profit 26,000 in utility costs over 25 years, protect them from rising energy costs and conserve water, a precious resource here in New Mexico.
Positive Energy Solar remains steadfast in its commitment to helping New Mexicans transition to solar and more renewable resources. Each year they partner with non-profits across the state to educate residents, businesses and institutions and enable them to switch to solar in order to save money and be more sustainable.
ABOUT POSITIVE ENERGY SOLAR
An employee-owned company, Positive Energy Solar is the largest certified Benefits Corporation in New Mexico, a distinction earned for providing good wages, benefits, and growth opportunities for team members; contributing to schools and non profits; delivering 100 percent satisfaction to its customers; and selecting products for long term performance and low environmental impact. Positive Energy Solar is New Mexico's leading residential and commercial solar installer. Visit www.positiveenergysolar.com.
ABOUT RENESOLA
Founded in 2005, ReneSola (NYSE:SOL) is a leading global manufacturer of high efficiency solar PV modules and wafers. Leveraging its proprietary technologies, economies of scale and technical expertise, ReneSola uses in house virgin polysilicon and a vertically integrated business model to provide customers with high quality, cost competitive products. ReneSola solar modules have scored top PVUSA Test Conditions (PTC) ratings with high annual kilowatt hour output, according to the California Energy Commission (CEC). ReneSola solar PV modules can be found in projects ranging in size from a few kilowatts to multi-megawatts in markets around the world, including the United States, Germany, Italy, Belgium, China, Greece, Spain and Australia. Visit www.renesolar.com.
GREATER ALBUQUERQUE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical housing organization. For 26 years, Habitat for Humanity has worked in partnership with people in need to build affordable housing. The houses are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. Mission: Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity builds community one home, one family at a time by making it possible for low-income families to own simple, decent, affordable homes. Visit www.habitatabq.org.
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