On Monday, July 24, The Rotary Club of Greater Portage County hosted a solar dedication ceremony to celebrate the completion of The Salvation Army Hope Center solar project. It will provide clean energy, reduce energy costs, and reinforce the Hope Center’s mission to provide secure and safe housing for the temporarily displaced and homeless in Stevens Point.
The Rotary Club of Greater Portage County selected the Salvation Army Hope Center solar project in alignment with Rotary International’s newly created Environmental Sustainability Area of Focus. The project will not only educate the community on the benefits of solar energy but benefit Stevens Point in a way that aligns with the Rotary’s mission. Thanks to this project, the Hope Center will be able to focus more resources on its work to provide shelter and warm meals for those in need.
“The Salvation Army Hope Center Solar Project was conceived as a way to increase community awareness of the environmental benefits of solar electric power while enhancing the Salvation Army’s resources to provide lodging and meals to families in need,” said Richard Zahn, Grants and International Team Lead of the Rotary Club. “Completion of the project has been a true collaboration with funding and support provided by three major grant partners, community donations, and local Rotarians.”
Northwind Solar installed the 7-kilowatt ground-mounted array, which is expected to produce 9,000-kilowatt hours of energy annually. This will offset around 15% of the Salvation Army Hope Center’s electrical demand.
“We are thrilled at Northwind to be able to provide renewable energy to an organization that serves the community,” said Dylan Jenkins, Project Manager with Northwind Solar. “We are always happy to help reduce the carbon footprint of our neighbors, and doing so with an establishment that’s dedicated to helping others is extra special.”
The Hope Center Solar Project received funding through various sources, including a panel donation from Solar for Good, a District Rotary grant, a Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin grant, and several individual donations. The combined support from these partners demonstrates the collective commitment to create a sustainable and thriving community.
By harnessing the power of solar energy, The Rotary Club of Greater Portage County and the Salvation Army Hope Center remain dedicated to driving positive change in the community while encouraging environmental stewardship. The success of this project stands as a testament to the transformative impact that can be achieved through collaborative efforts and a dedication to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
By harnessing the power of solar energy, The Rotary Club of Greater Portage County and the Salvation Army Hope Center remain dedicated to driving positive change while encouraging environmental stewardship. The success of this project stands as a testament to the transformative impact that can be achieved through collaborative efforts and a dedication to a cleaner, more sustainable future.