Nineteen-year-old Ashley David says putting solar on her family’s home was her idea. So it was with particular pride that she hosted solar industry leaders and local government officials in her backyard in Washington D.C. this week to celebrate America’s one millionth solar installation. The event, a partnership with GRID Alternatives, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), kicked off the national #millionsolarstrong campaign.
"My parents would always complain about the bills, and be turning the lights off all the time,” said Ms. David as she watched local job trainees help pull the panels to the roof. “I’m happy we finally got it.” The 3.5 kilowatt system will save the family $18,000 in energy costs over its lifetime, savings Ms. David hopes will go toward her college fund.
Installations like these, a growing percentage of America’s million, are making a real difference for working families across the country and showing that solar is a valuable resource for all of our communities.
Dr. Earl Trent, Senior Pastor at the Florida Avenue Baptist Church in Washington D.C., told the assembled group that getting solar on his church back in 2011 had not just saved money, but also made his congregants more aware of the world around them, inspiring a greater commitment to environmental stewardship. “We do not own this world,” he said, “we just manage it.” He has become a vocal advocate for solar in the D.C. area.
Thanks to everyone who came out in personally and virtually to join in the celebration. We’re so proud that families like the Davids are part of America’s #millionsolarstrong, and will keep working to make sure that the next million includes even more.
See more photos from the event here.