Nonprofit to install solar electric systems for twelve Lakewood families Sept. 24-29

Lakewood, Colorado is set to be the first community outside of California to benefit from a venture that has already brought solar power to more than 2,400 low-income families in California with projected energy cost savings of more than $66 million.

The project represents the Colorado debut of GRID Alternatives, a non-profit organization that brings solar power and solar job training to communities that need it most. Since 2004, GRID Alternatives has installed 7.1 MW of electricity, enough to rival a small power plant.

From September 24-29 the organization will install solar electric systems for twelve Lakewood families on homes built by Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, saving them an estimated $360,000 over the systems’ lifetimes. GRID’s volunteer-based model will also provide local job trainees and community and corporate volunteers with hands-on solar installation experience.

The Open house event is this Thursday, September 27th, 11:00 am-1:00 pm. The homes are near the corner of W Colfax and Sheridan in Lakewood. Access to the site is on 16th between Chase and Benton.

Attendees are expected to include homeowners excited to start saving with solar; 30 employee volunteers from Wells Fargo; green job trainees; and GRID Alternatives construction staff and leadership. The scheduled lunchtime speakers includevHeather Lafferty, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, and Rick Garcia, HUD regional director for the Rocky Mountain region

On-site throughout the week: community volunteers, job trainees and other partners, including volunteer and job training teams from Xcel Energy, Veterans Green Jobs, CO Energy Office, Energy Outreach Colorado, Red Rocks Community College, CU Boulder and Colorado School of Mines.

More information is available from Julian Foley, GRID Alternatives, 510-593-0149, jfoley@gridalternatives.org