Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity, GiveSolar, Mountain View Solar, and Habitat for Humanity Virginia are partnering to install five solar systems on recently-completed Habitat for Humanity homes in Winchester, VA.
Media and the public are invited to a reception on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 from 1 to 2 p.m. for light refreshments and to observe
some of the installation. Reception location: corner of Chase St. and Elk St. in Winchester, VA.
Blue Ridge Habitat built the homes while families worked to complete their sweat equity prior to purchasing the home at an affordable mortgage. GiveSolar, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Virginia, is providing the funding for the solar systems. And mtvSolar will professionally install the systems.
This project will greatly reduce the energy burden of the families who live in them. Participating homeowners will pay a $20 monthly lease payment for 10 years and save between $50 and $70 per month on their electric bills as a result of having solar. Over the 25 to 30 year lifespan of the solar system, families with solar will save $20,000 to $25,000.
“Integrating solar panels on homes directly benefits communities by reducing individual carbon footprints, cutting energy expenses for homeowners, and contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable local environment. This sustainable choice not only empowers residents to lower their electricity bills but also fosters a sense of environmental responsibility, making solar energy a positive force for community well-being.”-Kim Herbstrit, Executive Director of Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat homeowner Karen Burrough moved into her new home in March of 2023.
“I’ve been excited about this opportunity ever since I first heard about it before I moved into my new home. I’m thrilled that these solar panels will soon be installed and I will start saving money on my electric bill.”
During this project, mtvSolar will install 12 solar panels and related equipment on each of the five participating homes. The solar energy generated by the panels will directly offset the electricity demand of each home. Any excess energy produced by the home’s solar components will be distributed on the local electricity grid and homeowners will receive credit for that energy on their bills. During the spring, summer, and fall months when solar generation is at its highest, homeowners who are prudent with their electricity usage could see an electric bill of less than $10.
Jeff Heie, Director of GiveSolar, said, “Habitat has recognized that affordable housing is about both making the purchase of a house affordable and making the ongoing operation of a home affordable. Solar is an excellent tool to minimize electricity bills while contributing to long term environmental solutions.”
“It’s one thing to get a family into a home, but making it more affordable for them to stay in that home over the long term by reducing their monthly costs is a long-lasting benefit that we’re proud to be part of,” said Mike McKechnie, president of mtvSolar.
Blue Ridge Habitat for Humanity has built 89 homes in the past 26 years for working families. They complete critical home repairs, have an Aging in Place program to support seniors living on limited income, and operate the Winchester ReStore which generates funding through the generous support of donors and customers all working to support affordable housing in the region. They are proud to partner with GiveSolar and mtvSolar on this pilot project.
GiveSolar is a nonprofit social impact organization that aims to assist other non-profit organizations and homeowners with low income to gain access to solar energy through organizing community-based mutual aid. Since 2020, GiveSolar has been raising funds to help Habitat affiliates in Virginia to launch solar programs. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity Virginia, GiveSolar is supporting fifteen Habitat affiliates across the state as they offer solar to the families they serve. Funding for these solar systems comes from the American Institute of Architects, Just Pax Fund, Clean Virginia, and other private donors.
Founded in 2009, mtvSolar is the leading renewable energy partner for residential, commercial, non-profit and government solar and battery solutions in the quad-state area. The company has installed more than 30,000 solar panels in the last 15 years. mtvSolar continues to lead Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania through the professional installation of solar and battery systems to help customers meet their renewable energy goals and budgets. mtvSolar’s expertise and customer-focused approach has earned it industry awards from Tesla and other component manufacturers for high quality installation, service and
product feedback.