Having a roof over your head provides security and safety. It not only keeps us physically healthy but can offer mental and emotional benefits as well. And adequate housing not only helps individuals and families, it creates better communities.
Habitat for Humanity is known for putting roofs over the heads of families across the country. But did you know they’ve also embraced reducing their carbon footprint? Over the last 5 years, the Couillard Solar Foundation and Solar for Good have helped Habitat for Humanity install 4 solar arrays on their properties. These arrays save this organization a significant amount of money, which they can then put right back into their mission, putting people in houses.
One of the first projects was a solar array on their warehouse in Milwaukee. The organization was paying, on average $11,000 a year for electricity. After installation? “There has been Significant decrease. The first fiscal year after commissioning was $79. The second fiscal year is nearing completion and probably will be around $300.” wrote Chris Garrison, Habitat’s Construction & Operations Director. He also attributes this array, and it’s benefits, to helping them acquire more funding for the construction of new homes.