Georgia’s largest animal shelter adds 200-kW solar array
On March 30, LifeLine Animal Project, the state’s largest animal welfare organization, in partnership with RE-volv and its Georgia Tech Solar Ambassador chapter, celebrated the installation of a new 200-kW solar system. With solar, LifeLine will save $1.6 million on electrical bills over the life of the system, which it will re-invest in animal welfare services. The celebration consisted of a solar ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring remarks from Chandra Farley, chief sustainability officer of the City of Atlanta, as well as a solar-themed pet adoption day.
“LifeLine Animal Project is thrilled to participate in this solar power initiative, which will not only benefit the environment but will also allow us to help more animals in the long run,” said Tracy Thompson, shelter director with Lifeline Animal Project.
Through harnessing RE-volv’s solar financing model, LifeLine and over 70 other nonprofits to date are saving up to 15% per month on their electrical bills, while inspiring others in their communities to go solar.
RE-volv Solar Ambassador fellows from Georgia Institute of Technology led initial outreach efforts over two years ago to make this project possible. Through RE-volv’s year-long fellowship program, over 400 ambassadors nationally have gained real-world experience conducting outreach with local nonprofits interested in going solar. Ambassadors are trained through exclusive solar education curriculum, lead RE-volv’s solar project development process, plan sustainability events on their campus and are connected with leading solar employers.
“As a student with a growing passion for renewable energy, the Solar Ambassador program looked like the perfect way to get experience with solar and simultaneously make a difference in my community — indeed it was!” said Ella, former president of Georgia Tech’s Solar Ambassador chapter. “Through the LifeLine project, it has been truly remarkable to witness that potential realized, creating something spectacular for our community, planet and Ambassadors alike.” After spearheading this project, Ella graduated and is now working as a solar energy analyst.
At the event, RE-volv in partnership with Capital Good Fund, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), launched a special offer for Atlanta residents to go solar and support animal welfare. Residents of all income levels across the entire state can go solar with Georgia BRIGHT, Capital Good Fund’s zero-down residential solar system lease and Capital Good Fund will make a donation on residents’ behalf to LifeLine. This offer is valid through May 31, 2024.
“The well-researched ‘solar seeding effect’ shows that one non-residential solar installation will spark 80 residential solar installations in the next 5 years,” said Andreas Karelas, Founder and CEO of RE-volv. “We are proud to support LifeLine with this bold commitment to sustainability, highlighting solar energy as an accessible option for residents to save money and create a greener community.”
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