"I see the legal documents for solar all the time, but I wanted to get up close and personal with the installation process," said Karen, a WGL Holdings (WGL) employee and first time GRID volunteer. On November 4th, 2017, Karen was given the opportunity to learn the solar installation process – in person.
WGL’s Day of Weatherization is an annual initiative across the region where employees volunteer in the community and weatherize homes to prepare for the winter. This year, more than 225 WGL volunteers scattered across Maryland, Virginia, the District Columbia, and West Virginia to work on projects ranging from weatherizing houses to installing solar arrays The employees were able to pick from a variety of volunteer opportunities, and eight lucky individuals decided to give back by strapping on harnesses, donning hard hats, and installing solar.
This was the third consecutive year WGL partnered with GRID Alternatives to provide a solar system for a low-income homeowner in D.C.
The homeowner, Angela, received a 4.165 kW system that will save her over $600 annually. WGL volunteers also weatherized her home, making it more energy-efficient. With the temperatures dropping, old homes can lose a lot of heat, and weatherization cuts back on energy waste. This is especially helpful for low-income homeowners – where every dollar counts.
The WGL trainees put “efficiency” back into energy efficiency. Their teamwork shone through - the install finished in record time, with the last of the panels being pulled up right after lunch. And thanks to the volunteers’ help, the homeowner will start seeing savings on her bill soon. Karen understands the savings from solar first-hand. She recently purchased a system for her own home. “I went solar and my first monthly bill was $1.57. I hope this customer will be as happy as I was when she gets her first bill,” said Karen.