Athens Area Habitat’s first solar energy installations were part of our Kinda Tiny Homes project. And we were tickled pink when one of the homeowners sent us her July power bill, for $0.00!
Our first home dedicated as part of the Micah’s Creek Homeownership Opportunity Project also included a solar panel intallation. And although not all Micah’s Creek homes will qualify for a solar energy component, we plan to include roof panels on as many homes as possible, not only in that neighborhood but in future builds as well.
We’ve also received a donation of 127 industrial-grade solar panels from a coalition of Habitat for Humanity Virginia, Got Electric, LLC , and GiveSolar which we’re using in a pilot project that starts with solarizing the two Athens, GA, Habitat thrift stores. Combined with new energy-efficient HVAC, these panels will allow us to heat and air-condition our stores without diverting funds from our mission to create affordable housing, so that the Athens ReStores can raise even more funding for construction, renovation, and repairs in our area. If it works here, there’s no reason it can’t work for other stores around the country!
We are profoundly grateful to all three organizations for the work they’re doing to solarize Habitat homes and facilities nationwide — they are truly wonderful people and we’re so happy to be working with them. Stay tuned as our pilot project ramps up!