groSolar Receives Grant to Install PV for Block of Habitat for Humanity Homes

WHITE RIVER JCT., VT – groSolar, North America’s premier provider of solar energy solutions, has been awarded a grant by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to install PV solutions on 15 Habitat for Humanity Homes – a full city block – in the Capital District. 

Throughout the installations, groSolar is training students from Boces (www.capregboces.org) on how to install PV systems. So far 13 students have been trained and at least 5 more are in line to learn.  

groSolar CEO Jeff Wolfe said the donation is part of the company’s continuing commitment to bringing clean, renewable power to everyone. groSolar has made three previous donations to Habitat for Humanity, including the solar electric system on 1088 Broadway completed in 2006. Through this grant, the company has currently installed PV solutions on 11 of the 15 homes in Albany. 

“We’re pleased to make this contribution along with NYSERDA to Habitat for Humanity,’’ Wolfe said. “With soaring energy costs, these systems will help the properties realize big savings – up to two thirds of their electric energy costs. We’re also very excited to be educating Boces students on PV installation. Green jobs are the jobs of the future, and the industry is in need of people who have this knowledge and training. Our partnership with Boces is valuable for the students and it is valuable for us.” 

Each home will be furnished with a 2.16 kw PV system that will be connected to the electric meters in the buildings where it is installed. The system generates clean, affordable electricity, and reduces the amount of traditional power needed in the home. When the system produces excess power, energy will feed back into the utility power supply – that is, the meter will run backwards. This is “net metering,” an arrangement supported by New York utilities. “It was exciting to show the homeowner of 1088 Broadway her meter spinning backwards and see her face light up with comprehension and amazement,” says groSolar’s president and co-founder Dori Wolfe.

Systems are being installed on Emmet Street, View Avenue, Broadway and Holmes Street.

About groSolar
groSolar is a leading North American solar power company focused on designing, distributing and installing high quality solar electric and solar hot water systems. groSolar provides residential installation in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states, and commercial installation in California as well as the eastern US, serving other areas through an extensive dealer network. With a system of warehouses across the continent, groSolar has the broadest distribution capabilities of any solar provider. groSolar integrates components from leading solar manufacturers including Evergreen Solar into efficient solar energy systems for its customers that generate clean, reliable energy for decades. groSolar was also recently recognized as the second fastest growing company in Vermont and one of the best places to work in Vermont. groSolar.com.  For more information contact Kelli Pippin, groSolar Director of Marketing at 800.374.4494 or Kevin Ellis 1-800-498-5390.