For Eddie, welcoming the GRID Colorado team and volunteers to his home in Boulder for the installation of his solar system was like welcoming family. “The way they talk to each other and work with each other, there was good communication. They do the job well. It was like a family,” Eddie reflected.
The 2.76 kW (DC) system installed by GRID and our volunteers will save the family $17,000 over the life of the system, while offsetting 78 tons of greenhouse gasses (the equivalent of planting over 1,800 trees).
Eddie and his wife Patricia have 5 adult children. They qualified for and built their home with Habitat for Humanity about 15 years ago. Eddie explained how he never dreamed they could afford to get solar for their home, and he was very surprised when he first found out about GRID Alternatives. But after learning more, he went from skeptical to a neighborhood champion for GRID, canvassing and spreading the word to help other qualified families in his neighborhood apply for the program.
Eddie’s 12 solar panels were installed with the help of our Solar Spring Break students from Beloit College in Wisconsin as well as a team from Wells Fargo, which Eddie enjoyed hosting. “I love to cook for all the people! They are very friendly, they smiled a lot. I enjoy working with these types of people because they are so nice and they care for people like us.” The GRID team and volunteers also enjoyed getting to know Eddie, as he is the type of guy who is clearly dedicated to supporting his family and those he cares about.
Eddie worked in the dorms and family housing department at the University of Colorado Boulder for 32 years before retiring several years ago. Although he is enjoying his retirement, Eddie has said how he misses seeing the students every day and watching them grow up. Eddie and Patricia also help to support their children who are currently attending college. As someone who worked at a university for over thirty years, it's not surprising that Eddie has worked so hard to encourage his children to get their education. “I always tell them, keep going, keep going. You can get a Bachelor if you want to. I support you.”
Eddie was proud to share that his son will be graduating with a nursing degree from the University of Colorado Denver at the end of this month. He also expressed how thankful he was to both Habitat for Humanity and GRID Alternatives for helping his family and how excited he is to start seeing savings on his electric bill!