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Eugene, October 21, 2016 – Solar installers with AES Renew and Solar Assist will erect a 3.5kW solar array on the roof of a 102-year old historic Eugene building, home to the Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide, on Tuesday, October 25, at 1:00PM at 1412 Pearl Street.
The system, donated by the University of Oregon’s Solarize U program, will provide green power to Eugene-based lawyers, scientists, and other professionals working to protect communities and the environment in more than 80 countries.
“We want to produce fewer greenhouse gases, and we are thrilled to reduce our power consumption through solar power,” says Bern Johnson, ELAW Executive Director. “We will save money on our electric bill and help protect the climate while producing clean, renewable energy.”
For every 35 homes that take part in the Solarize U program, installers provide a free solar panel system for a local nonprofit group. “ELAW, one of Eugene’s most respected environmental organizations, is receiving the first donated installation,” says Steve Mital, the UO’s Sustainability Director.
Solarize U is aimed at boosting the number of Eugene-area homes generating power from the sun. It combines discounts with an expedited process that can have solar power flowing to a home in a matter of months instead of the year or more it typically takes.
The program was created by the UO’s Office of Sustainability and managed by Northwest SEED, a nonprofit group that promotes clean energy in the Pacific Northwest. The group works with local solar panel installers to negotiate a group rate and develop a streamlined design and installation process and then offers a special deal to community members.
Steve Mital said rooftop solar is to energy what gardening is to agriculture.
“When you install solar panels, you increase local energy security, lower your summertime bill and gain direct experience with energy production,” Mital said. “Just like when you grow your own tomatoes.”
For more information, please contact:
Maggie Keenan, Communications Director, Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide
maggie@elaw.org, www.elaw.org, work: (541) 687-8454 ext. 106