 |
| Photo: Myriam Scally and Bill Lazar |
By Mike Bonts
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Real Estate Wire/Green Trends)– Local construction nonprofit St. Johns Housing Partnership plans to harness solar energy to help power its main office and three of six apartment units for homeless veterans – thus reducing financial burdens for inhabitants and promoting the use of solar energy in the community.
The installation, completed in early May 2023, includes two components: a solar array at the office and another at the veterans' apartment units, known as Patriot Place.
While the financial benefits of these installations are significant, with expected savings of approximately $2,500 annually for the organization and $1,926 for its tenants, it is the broader impact that truly highlights the organization's commitment.
By harnessing the power of the sun, St. Johns Housing Partnership not only reduces operational costs but also sets an inspiring example for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
This initiative exemplifies the organization's dedication to not only providing quality housing for homeless veterans but also actively promoting renewable energy sources. The combined installation of 21.87 kilowatt solar array systems represents a tangible step towards a greener and more supportive future for both the community and the deserving veterans it serves.
Each apartment unit contains one bedroom and measures 630 square feet. Each veteran will pay about 30 percent of market rate with the help of subsidies through the nonprofit’s fundraising efforts. The purpose of making these apartments as energy and water efficient as possible is to keep down the overall long-term costs for the to benefit both the SJHP and the tenants.
“We hope to showcase this solar system as a way to generate more interest and support for solar initiatives in our area”, St. Johns Housing Partnership Director Bill Lazar said. “As a green-certified organization, we are proud to expand access to solar energy in our community.”
“Providing a path to affordable housing and minimizing energy costs for veterans experiencing homelessness is just one of the goals of St. Johns Housing Partnership,” Lazar added.
With the cost of living rising in the area, solar energy can reduce energy costs by providing onsite power at a lower cost than traditional electricity.
“Low-income populations often struggle to pay bills, making solar energy a valuable solution to reduce costs and increase access to renewable energy.” said Everybody Solar Executive Director Myriam Scally. “However, limited resources, knowledge, and infrastructure often hinder the adoption of solar energy in these communities, creating an unjust energy transition. We are excited to partner with the St. Johns Housing Partnership to help both their operations and support veterans at Patriot Place.”
Patriot Place will be certified “Florida Green'' by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC). Founded in 2000, FGBC is the state’s leading certifier of green projects. The FGBC Certification Program tailors’ carbon-reducing, green building standards to the Florida climate, allowing builders, developers and communities to meet green building standards while simultaneously constructing sustainable properties best suited for Florida’s ecosystem.
“Over the next 30 years, this solar PV system will be cutting CO2 greenhouse gasses by almost 650,000 pounds. In addition, it will cut utility costs by over $90,000 over the lifetime of the system, freeing up valuable funds that can be allocated towards essential support programs for our returning veterans and their families”, said Craig Barzso, President AltWays Solar (a partner in the project).
“As a veteran myself, I’m proud to be part of a company that champions the veteran community. Thanks to our long-term partnership with Everybody Solar, we’re able to once again give back to veterans who are supported through St. John’s Housing Partnership,” said Watson Occilien, Operations Manager of the JinkoSolar factory in Jacksonville, FL. “On behalf of the veterans that I am fortunate to call friends and colleagues and the entire Jinko team, we are honored to contribute these solar panels and make a difference in our community.”
Donors and partners for this project include: Synergy Solar, anonymous donors, and Kathryn Cryts, David Ellis, Joshua Hedlund, Connor Howell, Carolyn McInness.