Worcester, MA SolarFlair Energy, Inc. of Ashland, Mass. brightens the day for another Massachusetts family in their new Habitat for Humanity home. Marine Corps veteran Marc Ewings, his wife Sophie and their three sons now have a new roof over their heads – a solar powered roof designed and built by SolarFlair, to be exact.
Dan Greenwood, vice president of business development, SolarFlair Energy, introduced the donated 7.65 kw solar panel system at the recent Habitat for Humanity Open House held at the Kendig St. location. The 30 panel solar installation will produce 8,500 kWh’s of clean electricity annually, saving the family an estimated $1,500 on their electric bill in just the first year. Beyond the energy savings, the 5 tons of CO2 greenhouse gas emissions that the system will displace are equivalent to taking 1 passenger vehicle off the road for a year.
The system also includes a dashboard application which will allow the Ewings to monitor their electricity savings on their home computer and mobile phone.
Other sponsors contributing to the net zero LEED certifiable home include Ceiva Energy, who donated the energy management phone application, and Itron, who donated the smart electricity, gas and water meter system. The building itself, a former community meeting hall, was donated to Habitat for Humanity by the College Hill Civic Association. National Grid’s Smart Energy Solutions Program was a key contributor in bringing all these community resources together to make this new home happen for the Ewings family.
This opportunity to help Habitat for Humanity and the Ewings was introduced to SolarFlair by their Controller, Pam Faustine, a former Habitat for Humanity board member, and current volunteer. Pam not only excels at compiling the company’s financial statements, but also organized a team of her fellow church members to pound nails while framing out the Ewings’ bedrooms. This is the 5th solar photovoltaic system that SolarFlair Energy has donated to a Massachusetts not-for profit organization or deserving family in their 8 year history.
The Open House was facilitated by Tim Firment, executive director, MetroWest/Greater Worcester Habitat for Humanity, and also included comments by Marcy Reed, National Grid president, Kathleen Polanowicz, district director to the honorable James P. McGowan, and Tony Economou, city of Worcester councilor. The program was concluded by the very appreciative new homeowner, Mark Ewings.