Culmination of year-long partnership with Piedmont Environmental Alliance
Winston-Salem. N.C. (July 24, 2024) —Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC has announced it is investing in a one-megawatt roof top solar energy array at its 140,000 square- foot headquarters facility in Winston-Salem – the culmination of a year-long partnership with Piedmont Environmental Alliance. The installation will be the largest array of its kind in Forsyth County and one of the largest such arrays in North Carolina, projected to save Second Harvest $107,500 annually in electricity costs and $5.3 million cumulatively over 30 years.
Second Harvest is eligible to receive up to 50% of the $1.5 million project cost back from federal tax credits via the Inflation Reduction Act, with additional funding being sought from grantors with a particular commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable operating practices.
“The timing was right for this additional investment in sustainability and long-term cost reduction at our organization,” said Second Harvest Food Bank CEO Eric Aft, who announced the project yesterday during a launch event for Solarize The Triad, a newly formed public-private coalition leading a group purchasing program aimed at making solar energy more affordable for local homeowners, businesses, and nonprofits in the region.
"We're thrilled to be part of the Solarize the Triad Steering Committee and to partner with North Carolina-based Renu Energy Solutions, selected through our organization and the coalition's competitive bid processes. We are especially grateful to Will Eley, Green Jobs Program Manager at Piedmont Environmental Alliance, for his expertise and guidance in bringing Second Harvest to this milestone."
“This partnership is showing our community that we have everything we need to build a local economy that is more just, resilient, and sustainable,” said Eley. “Piedmont Environmental Alliance is so grateful for Renu and Second Harvest’s patience and values-driven missions. The Inflation Reduction Act, which made this project all the more possible, truly is a game-changer. And we look forward to supporting other individuals and institutions inspired to take action like Second Harvest.”
Renu Energy Solutions will design and build the system over the course of this year and next. When implemented, Second Harvest’s solar project, dubbed “Solar Harvest” is projected to offset 81% of the organization’s current electricity usage needs at its Winston-Salem headquarters.
"Renu Energy Solutions is honored to partner with Second Harvest Food Bank on this impactful project,” said Jay Radcliffe, President, Renu Energy Solutions. “Not only will this rooftop solar panel system generate clean and renewable energy, it will also save on electricity costs. These savings will ultimately go directly towards Second Harvest's core mission: fighting hunger in our communities."
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