Solar Panels to be Installed on top of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Camrose
The Camrose community will be getting a little greener this year with the installation of 50, 72-cell solar (PV) modules on top of Habitat for Humanity Restore.
Camrose Energy, Habitat for Humanity Camrose, and Solar Harvest have partnered to install the panels to help reduce the carbon footprint and operating costs of the store.
“We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity because it is giving people who would not have homeownership, homeownership,” said Denise Hawkins, founder of Camrose Energy. “We have had a relationship with Habitat for Humanity for many years, and we have worked together on many projects with Solar Harvest because we have similar beliefs.”
There is an urgent need for housing around the world, nationally, and in the Camrose area. Habitat for Humanity‘s solution is to build homes with volunteers and community partners. These homes are then sold to hardworking families at fair market value that they can afford. Habitat then provides a zero-interest mortgage, which allows families to afford a house they normally wouldn’t qualify for.
Solar Harvest is a solar photovoltaic (PV) installation and design company located in Camrose, Alberta. They focus on working in rural communities, providing sustainable renewable energy solutions to strengthen communities across the province. Solar Harvest has donated $5,000 to the ReStore solar project.
Reducing Emissions and Raising Funds
The purpose of the Restore is to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity Camrose. They accomplish this by accepting donated items from the community and surrounding area. Money made by selling donated items to the general public, is injected back into Habitat for Humanity Camrose. By donating, shopping, or volunteering at the Restore, people in turn help give back to families within the Camrose community.“This is a perfect partnership because the Restore focuses on keeping things out of the landfill, which ties in with our environmental beliefs,” said Hawkins.
The Restore generates money for families in need, but monetary donations to Habitat for Humanity Camrose are still needed to help build a safe and decent place for families to live.
The goal of this project which will impact environmental, economic and social needs, is to reduce the carbon footprint of the Restore, which will result in the decrease in utility costs, and relocate money towards families who are in need of housing.
Through donations, Camrose Energy is aiming to raise $42,000 dollars toward this project. To date $19,000 has been pledged and a portion of that is from Camrose Energy.
Additionally, Camrose Energy is part of a network of Energy Marketers that have partnered with Green Alberta Energy to offer Albertans a greener alternative for their energy consumption. Green Alberta Energy was proud to support the solar Restore project and has donated $1,000 towards the cause.
“We admire Denise in her continued support of Habitat for Humanity initiatives,” said Nick Clark, co-founder of Green Alberta Energy. “It is truly one of the social projects worth supporting as it is beneficial to the Camrose community in a variety of ways.”
Hawkins spoke of the most powerful moment she was able to witness and be a part of, while working with Habitat for Humanity.
“After sharing a bedroom with his mother for years, a 14-year-old boy was excited to finally have his own room,” she said.
If you would like to join Camrose Energy in its quest to change lives, click here for donation details.