“I’m very grateful and very blessed to be part of this program,” said Homeowner Pamela, “…and I’m happy to have the sun!” followed up Homeowner Wade. The two Baltimore neighbors stood beaming, on one of the hottest days of the August, talking about their experience going solar with GRID Alternatives. GRID Alternatives recently collaborated with multiple organizations to bring the benefits of solar to 31 income-qualified homeowners, including Pamela and Wade, in the Morgan Community Mile of Baltimore.
The partnership between the City of Baltimore, the US Department of Energy, Civic Works, Baltimore Energy Challenge, Morgan State University, and GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic, provided 31 homes with solar systems after receiving energy efficiency upgrade services from Baltimore City’ Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). All the partner organizations, community members, and homeowners gathered to celebrate the completion of the projects at the street block of Homeowner Wade and Pamela’s homes, two next door neighbors who received solar through the program.
Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh kicked off the day’s celebration. “This really excites me because this gives residents an opportunity to play a part in a national movement to promote energy conservation,” she explained. Extending the benefits of solar to lower-income residents is a milestone for Baltimore, and a shining example for cities. “If we can do this in Baltimore, we can do this anywhere in the country,” said Congressman John Sarbanes, representing the 3rd District of Maryland.
Other speakers included Alice Kennedy of the City of Baltimore, Tom Caponiti with Civic Works, Marvin Perry with Morgan State University, Elaine Ulrich of the US Department of Energy (US DOE), and Nicole Steele of GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic.
Read Baltimore Fishbowl’s coverage of the event here.
Watch Baltimore CBS coverage of the event here.
See pictures from the event here.
The first step for the 31 homes, all located within the Morgan Community Mile, was to receive weatherization through Baltimore City’s Weatherization Program, followed by further energy efficiency services and education through Baltimore Energy Challenge. 9 of these homes received cool roofs from Civic Works’ Energy Ready Program, and 5 received electrical panel upgrades to make the home solar-ready. The key to maximizing savings for homeowners was the combination of weatherization and renewable energy, which is why the Morgan Community Mile homeowners have already seen great savings. Wade’s bill has already gone from over being $200 to around $50 on average. The first Morgan Community Mile recipient, Barbara, has not seen a bill above 38 dollars since her system was turned on in March 2016.
In addition to informing homeowners the various ways to save money and help the planets, the solar installations provided hand-on job training for over 100 individuals and job trainees. The Local Color Podcast came out and interviewed trainees and volunteers on a solar installation. Through Baltimore Energy Challenge, AmeriCorps volunteers gained experience in solar installation skills. “Hands-on experience is key to providing necessary skills for individuals to enter the fast growing solar industry,” said Nicole Steele, Executive Director of GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic.
The solar PV systems across the 31 homes will provide over half a million in savings for the Baltimore homeowners, and is the equivalent of planting 63,000 trees. Closing out the morning celebration, Nicole Steele set the stage for the future, reiterating GRID’s commitment to serving Baltimore, in community solar, multi-family, and single-family capacity.