On November 18th, 2011 GRID Alternatives-Inland Empire partnered with Habitat for Humanity-Riverside to complete their 11th solar installation together to date! The Frausto Family received 16 solar panels at no cost to them, which will help reduce their electric bill by 94% and save them over $550 annually.
The installation was completed with help from the hard-working and fun-loving volunteers from Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo is an avid supporter of both GRID Alternatives and Habitat for Humanity-Riverside, demonstrating their continued commitment to supporting the community and development of affordable housing and protecting the environment.
“It was incredible to have so many people out there putting solar on our house. It was awesome. And it was really nice to be able to chit chat with the people from GRID Alternatives and Wells Fargo.” – Mignon Frausto
Christine Morgando, Family Relations Coordinator from Habitat for Humanity-Riverside, has worked with the Frausto Family since the beginning. “The partnership between GRID Alternatives and Habitat for Humanity is great because we both work to serve low-income families; and GRID [Alternatives] providing solar at no cost to these families reduces the cost of living in the form of utilities. So, it really just makes sense!”
Habitat for Humanity-Riverside knows that by “going green” their families will not only receive benefits in the form of energy savings, but also in the form of a healthier indoor environment and a healthier planet. Habitat for Humanity- Riverside incorporates numerous energy-efficient features into the designs of their homes, including Energy Star appliances, tankless water heaters, CFL light bulbs, low-VOC paint, low-flow water fixtures, and waterwise landscaping. Each homeowner receives an explanation of how to use their energy-efficient features to maximize their benefits for better health, comfort, and reduced operating costs.
“The Frausto Family was so excited to receive their solar system; they were just beaming. Mr. Frausto was even up on the roof helping out with the installation; they loved it.” -Christine Morgando
“I didn’t really ever think of energy efficiency that much until we got the habitat home. And now we have drip irrigation, faucets that let our less water and now with the solar, we’re doing something good for the earth and the world. It is really great to be a part of that.”—Mignon Frausto
GRID Alternatives is excited to continue to grow and foster community partnerships that “just make sense” throughout the Inland Empire in an effort to reach more homeowners!
Check out photos from the installation, taken by one of Habitat for Humanity-Riverside’s dedicated volunteers!
