Solar energy is sustainable, renewable, and plentiful. Year after year, the industry has seen the cost of solar drop making individual power generation increasingly practical for homeowners and smaller installations, like CHC.
There are over 5 million solar installations across the country and many power companies, like Pacific Power, have adopted the business model of individual power generation systems in the greater Albany area and across the state. So what makes switching to solar electricity so popular? For starters, the reduction of energy and dependance on the power grid. Solar can significantly reduce monthly energy costs by 75% or more for CHC. The system installed at Hub City Village comprises 150 panels above the parking lot covers and 30 panels on the south side roof of the Residence Center. Calculated energy production is 80,461 kWh/year which equates to an annual savings of $12,552.
CHC selected solar for the Village to reduce day-to-day power grid dependence. Solar will also reduce CHC environmental impact because solar power is a clean, renewable, and sustainable energy source that does not pollute the air or contribute to global warming. From an operational perspective, solar technology has minimal maintenance with minimal upkeep after installation.
Peter Greenberg of Energy Wise Services, worked with several agencies to reduce the cost impact to CHC. This included Federal Grants, donations from Blue Sky, credits from Energy Trust of Oregon and the Oregon Department of Energy to complete the project. Energy Wise installed a Solar Monitor Display in the Residence Center allowing residents and guests to see power generated.
CHC is forever grateful to Peter and his crew for installing Solar for CHC and making “sun power” a reality for all the residents at Hub City Village.