"First and foremost, I would like to thank GRID Alternatives and their generous sponsors for making it possible for my family to receive a home solar system at no cost. All of the recipients [of solar through GRID's program] in my neighborhood are now fully aware and conscious of environmental issues, and now have a greater sense of importance when it comes to doing our share in protecting our environment." -Alan Polee, who received a sponsored solar electric system as part of the Greater Los Angeles Solarthon 2012.
Alan Polee and his family have lived in South LA for twenty years. As a proud homeowner and community member, Alan has been very active in supporting the area parks and the aspirations of local youth. He has also been very attentive to and has played a very active role in the educational progress of his children and was particularly interested in the alternative energy options his children were learning in their science classes.
"As a father of five I was made more aware of the environment through my children's science projects dealing with greenhouse gasses and alternative energy," Alan Polee shared. "We thought it would be nice to have solar on our home but couldn't afford it."
The Polee family has struggled through the rising summer temperatures in Los Angeles, and these hot days will be increasing. A climate change study released by UCLA's Institute of the Environment and Sustainability predicted not only in increase in hot days in general (over 95 degrees) but also an increase in record breaking high temperatures. Now, with the solar electric system installed on Alan Polees home at Solarthon, his family will save 97% on their energy costs, which will help him afford air conditioning in a city where African Americans are projected to be twice as likely to die in a heat wave than other residents.
Alan is increasingly concerned about the health impacts of pollution on his community and feels that the visible presence of solar in his neighborhood makes a powerful statement for the next generation. "We are also able to both save money for our families and use our homes as models to help educate our youth and show them the importance of being able to contribute to a cleaner environment."