Arizona Non-Profits Go Renewable with Solar Thermal and PV

PHOENIX  – Governor Jan Brewer Monday announced that 14 Arizona non-profit organizations will receive American Recovery and  investment Act (ARRA) funds for renewable energy projects at their facilities throughout the state.

The funding is part of the $55.4 million awarded to the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office through the State Energy Program (SEP).

“We’re moving swiftly to invest Arizona’s stimulus dollars into projects that should help boost the State’s economy and provide significant long-term energy savings,” said Governor Brewer. The impact of these projects should result in more money applied to critical services rather than the utility bill.

The 14 awards are a result of a competitive grant cycle held by the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office. Seventy-seven applications were received. The awarded projects total $637,328. Awards were capped at $50,000 per applicant.

Awards were given for the installation of solar water heating systems, photovoltaic electric systems and solar daylighting systems. Once installed, the systems will reduce the nonprofit entities’ operating costs, and will give each organization a chance to use the savings to provide more services for Arizonans.

The Central Arizona Shelter Services’ Vista Colina Emergency Family Shelter in Sunnyslope will receive solar water heating systems and photovoltaic systems on a 30-unit family shelter apartment complex. More than 200 families sought shelter in the facility last year. The solar hot water systems will serve the facilities laundry and the childcare facility. The photovoltaic system will help offset electricity usage throughout the campus.

The energy dollar savings are estimated at $5,000 per year.

BOTHANDS (Building Opportunity Through Housing and Neighborhood Development Services) in Flagstaff will install a solar water heating system through the grant program. The system will be installed at Sharon Manor, a transitional housing facility which provides housing for homeless women and children who are survivors of domestic violence.

The energy dollar savings is estimated at $1,600 a year, representing 26 percent of its utility costs.

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Posted by Tracey A. Smith on May 24 2010. Filed under Renewable Energy News, Solar Investment, U.S.. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry