Solar array system believed to be first to help power Habitat for Humanity affiliate building in the U.S.

Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity and Austin-based Green Mountain Energy Company today announced plans for the organization’s first solar array. Green Mountain presented Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity with a check for $140,000 to fund the building’s new solar panel system.

• The solar photovoltaic (PV) system will help reduce Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity’s energy use and carbon footprint, as well as educate building visitors about the benefits of solar energy.
• The solar array system will be installed on the roof of the Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, which is located at 2800 N. Hampton Rd., Dallas.
• The solar array is believed to be the first-ever installed on the office building and ReStore location for any Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the United States.
• There are over 1,500 separate affiliates of Habitat for Humanity in the U.S. alone.

“Green Mountain Energy Company is especially proud to donate the solar array system to Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, an organization that’s dedicated to creating affordable housing opportunities, revitalizing neighborhoods, as well as building green homes,” said Kelly Brcka, director of Sales, Green Mountain Energy Company.  “Green Mountain has been serving customers throughout the Dallas Metroplex since 2002. Donating solar systems like this one helps us give back to the communities where our customers live, work, shop and play, while supporting our mission to ‘change the way power is made.”

Green Mountain is funding Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity’s new solar array through its Big Texas Sun Club^®, a unique program in which Green Mountain’s Texas customers can choose to support solar energy installations in Texas by contributing an additional $5 on their monthly Green Mountain Energy^® electricity bill (for information, visit http://www.bigtexassunclub.com). The mission of the Big Texas Sun Club is to fund, build and promote solar power in Texas while assisting organizations with a socially responsible focus to reduce their environmental footprint.

 “We are extremely proud of our green building efforts in our Habitat communities, and are grateful to Green Mountain for providing this opportunity to make our office more energy efficient,” remarked Bill Hall, CEO, Dallas Area Habitat.  “Their generosity will enable us to reduce our own environmental footprint, as well as enjoy substantial energy savings.”

The solar panels were installed by Alternative Power Solutions Corporation.