A grant from Positive Energy Solar and ReneSola is finally making it possible for the Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity to put solar power on Habitat-built homes.
“One of our employees learned about the grant opportunity at Positive Energy Solar’s booth at the Earth Day Fair hosted by La Montanita Coop in April,” says Beth Goldman, director of resource development for Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity. “As soon as we heard they were giving away a solar system to a non-profit here in Albuquerque, we knew we had to try for it.”
The grant application process started by having people ‘like’ videos uploaded to social media created by the applicants. The Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity enlisted the help of Donnine Canamar, a student at Southwest University of Visual Arts. The all-volunteer video team visited job sites and a finished home across Albuquerque to secure footage for the video, which was produced in just ten days.
Award presentation from Positive Energy Solar to Habitat for Humanity (L-R Beth Goldman, Director of Resource Development for Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity, Maureen Drummond of Positive Energy Solar, Catherine Heyne, Executive Assistant/Grantwriter for Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity)
“The grant competition is designed to promote clean, affordable energy and help non-profits reduce operating costs so that they can accomplish more of their goals in the community,” says Regina Wheeler, Positive Energy Solar CEO. The prize, a 2.5 kW solar system with Renesola panels, is powerful enough to zero-out the monthly electricity bill of most non-profits, she adds.
The solar system will be installed on Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity’s building on Menaul Boulevard North East, which houses their administrative offices and the ReStore. Going solar will significantly reduce Habitat for Humanity’s monthly expenses and help them to demonstrate their commitment to affordable, green buildings.
“Now that we have [Positive Energy Solar] on our team, we are sure we will find a way to make solar work for Greater Albuquerque Habitat for Humanity-built homes,” says Goldman. “Our relationship with Positive Energy Solar will save us and future home owner’s money, and increase the number of Albuquerque residents living ‘green’ and that’s very exciting.”
Each year, Positive Energy Solar awards a solar system to three New Mexican non-profit organizations across the state. The company’s annual donations to non-profits represent tens of thousands of dollars in products, labor and monetary gifts.
A community celebration in honor of winning the grant will take place at the Fall Festival and ReStore Upcycle Fair on Saturday, October 18, in Albuquerque.
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