Grid Alternatives Mid-Atlantic and Forbright Bank partnering to install solar for Habitat for Humanity home in Northern Virginia

WHAT: GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic and Forbright Bank are installing a solar energy system on a home constructed by Habitat for Humanity D.C. & Northern Virginia on Wednesday, October 11 in Alexandria. The solar energy system will provide equitable access to clean energy for a family with a demonstrated need in Northern Virginia.

Forbright is covering the full cost of the solar energy system, which will provide important energy savings to the homeowners — allowing them to focus financially on other living expenses. The system will include eight solar panels and is expected to save the homeowners approximately $200 per year in energy costs. Forbright employees will volunteer to work alongside GRID Mid-Atlantic staff to install the solar energy system.

The systems will also have a significant environmental impact, reducing an estimated 40 tons of greenhouse gas emissions—the equivalent of planting 939 trees or removing eight cars from the road.

Solar systems installed by GRID Mid-Atlantic have a lifespan of 20 years or more and include a 10-year warranty for all maintenance.

GRID Mid-Atlantic, a local nonprofit organization, has increased access to solar energy in the Mid-Atlantic region since 2014. To date, GRID Mid-Atlantic has served 1,552 households in underserved and underresourced communities through solar energy. The systems, installed at no cost to homeowners, have helped Mid-Atlantic residents save a combined $17,882,187 in energy costs while also preventing 56,565 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

Forbright Bank, a nationwide full-service bank headquartered in Chevy Chase, MD, is committed to playing an important role in accelerating the transition to a sustainable and low carbon economy. In addition to serving clients throughout the DC area, today nearly a third of the Bank’s portfolio directly funds clean energy and sustainable oriented projects, including residential solar loans, green building upgrades, affordable housing, and accessible healthcare. Last year, more than 30,000 metric tons of estimated annual greenhouse gas emissions were avoided thanks to renewable energy and energy efficiency projects Forbright financed.

Together, GRID Mid-Atlantic and Forbright provide opportunities for underserved and underresourced communities to access the benefits of solar energy through solar deployment and solar workforce training.

WHO: The following individuals will be available for interview:

● Elijah Perry, GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic Executive Director

WHERE: 2603 Groveton St, Alexandria, VA 22306, USA

WHEN: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Wednesday, October 11

WHY: Solar energy financed and installed by community organizations such as GRID Mid-Atlantic and Forbright allows for homeowners with financial limitations to save on electrical bills at no cost. In addition, the solar energy system reduces greenhouse gas emissions, creating healthier communities and lowering the impact of climate change.

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About GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic is an affiliate of GRID Alternatives, a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. Using a unique, people-first model, GRID Mid-Atlantic develops and implements solar projects that serve qualifying households and affordable housing providers, while providing hands-on job training. GRID Mid-Atlantic has installed solar for more than 255 families to-date and helped households and housing providers save $7.7 million in lifetime electricity costs while training over 860 people. For more information, visit www.gridalternatives.org/midatlantic