Here at SRP, we value community. One of the ways we encourage our customers to join us in bettering the community is with our SRP Solar for Nonprofits™ program.
The gift of free solar
SRP Solar for Nonprofits is an opportunity for customers to contribute as little as $3 a month or make a one-time contribution to go toward solar-covered parking structures for Valley nonprofits. The donations collected by SRP cover the cost of installation and two years of maintenance. Helping nonprofits offset their power use with solar allows them to spend less money on electricity and more on helping the community. The program has awarded 54 solar systems since 2007, saving local nonprofits over 1.1 million dollars.
Community impact
We’ve been able to support many local nonprofits with the benefits of solar. Here’s how the program has positively impacted these organizations.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities aids those in crisis by providing housing programs for people experiencing homelessness, as well as providing other basic needs like food and clothing to the impoverished.
“With the addition of this new solar system, we can use our reduced energy costs to reallocate funds to client programs which will allow us to serve more people in need,” said Paul Mulligan, CEO of Catholic Charities.
A New Leaf
A New Leaf is also able to better support vulnerable communities in the Valley.
“This novel donation will have a great impact for our organization,” said Michael Hughes, CEO of A New Leaf. “We will be able to redirect funds to provide essential services like basic needs, case management, children’s services, employment services and so much more. It’s innovation with a heart.”
Arizona Humane Society
The Arizona Humane Society’s Nina Mason Pulliam South Mountain Campus in Phoenix received a free solar system providing 100 kilowatts of solar power to the facility. It has helped the facility save money on their electricity bills so they can contribute more to their mission of saving the lives of the most vulnerable animals in Maricopa County.
Native Health
Native Health, a nonprofit that works toward providing accessible, holistic and patient-centered care, was a recipient of a solar installation through SRP Solar for Nonprofits. CEO Walter Murrillo said, “This new solar system will not only help reduce our carbon footprint, but it will also help us in our ongoing efforts of becoming more sustainable. The reduced energy costs from the new system will translate to more money spent in other critical areas of our organization.”
Aid to Adoption of Special Kids
Another recipient, Aid to Adoption of Special Kids (AASK), was delighted to get a free solar canopy.
“The bottom line is that any money we save in operation costs goes right back to those we serve. Saving money allows us to focus on our mission and provide more resources to families who are building relationships with children through foster care,” said Barb Trella, Director of Development at AASK Arizona.
Junior Achievement of Arizona
Empowering students across Arizona, Junior Achievement (JA) received a 40-kilowatt solar system in the hopes of cutting their electric bill by 40%.
Edwin Mehta, Development Director at JA, said, “By saving on electricity costs, we can invest those resources into programs that teach students skills which will positively impact their families, future employers and community.”