Collaboration is key, especially when it comes to improving the condition of our homes and neighborhoods. Looking toward a bright and sustainable future, no one organization can do it alone. That’s why John Moyers and his family are smiling today, as they speak of their home renovation experience.
The Moyers family spent 41 years in their home, raising a family, before a leak tipped them off that the roof was in need of repair. Habitat for Humanity stepped in to provide some renovations, including a new roof, gutters, down spout, windows, and improved insulation and siding. After that, Veterans Green Jobs supplied energy efficiency measures and insulation for the attic space in the new roof.
John said he noticed immediate differences after the renovations were complete. But what goes together better than distributed energy on an energy efficient home? This is where GRID Alternatives comes in. The Moyers family graciously hosted our Colorado Solar Spring Break team, and another set of local volunteers in the Denver area, as we installed a 2.7 kW system on their Globeville home.
The Moyers have hosted multiple volunteer groups over the past year, and in meeting the teams of volunteers that have been to their home they say they couldn’t be happier. “As mostly young professionals and students, it advances them in their career”, John says. “To be able to learn how to do this, but nonetheless, for free, they come and ask for nothing in return. We are just very impressed with the young people that came out for this.”
As solar enthusiasts, the Moyers had reached out to other companies before, but with disappointing results. “I’ve been just amazed and impressed by GRID Alternatives. It’s not hard to see how it can keep going, because I’m just one out of maybe millions of people that have an interest in it and are wondering why in our day of great technology solar hasn’t happened before. But here’s a company that’s just picking up steam. It cuts across the grain of the way things are in our lives of depending on the big companies to supply us power. It’s something that should have happened a long time ago.”
They are a grateful and considerate couple who are excited for the solar savings to come into effect and to be a part of the renewable energy picture. Even though she’s thankful for all the work on improving her home, Rachel Moyers can’t help but ask, “When do you all begin work on the inside?”
By: Courtney Boyd, GRID Alternatives SolarCorps Volunteer and Training Fellow