MEDIA ADVISORY
Solar subdivision completed in Apache Junction
Phoenix, AZ (April 23, 2009) - Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona and Salt
River Project will celebrate the completion of the 18-home Ironwood Trails Subdivison in Apache Junction on April 25. Each of the homes has a three-kilowatt photovoltaic solar system donated by SRP. Habitat is currently applying for Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design Certification for the subdivision. This will be the first LEED-certified subdivision in Apache Junction.
The solar systems will offset nearly half of each home's energy bill and will provide residents with a clean source of renewable energy.
"We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity and the city of Apache Junction with the first Habitat subdivision to install solar on every home," said Lori Singleton, SRP manager of Sustainable Initiatives and Technologies. "The families living in these homes will receive clean energy from the sun and save a significant amount of money on their electricity bills."
A dedication ceremony will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 25 at Ironwood Trails subdivision in Apache Junction just west of Ironwood Drive, one block north of Superstition Boulevard. Residents will be available to talk about the program and their home's solar energy systems.
The funding for the systems comes from SRP customers who have signed up for the EarthWise Energy program, which offers a diverse mix of renewable-energy sources including solar, wind, landfill gas, geothermal and low-head hydro. SRP EarthWise Energy customers pay a premium above their regular monthly bills to support the addition of new solar projects in the community.
In addition to donating the solar systems, SRP funded one of the Habitat homes in the Ironwood Trails subdivision and SRP employee volunteers built it. The ability to increase the affordability of Habitat homes with the installation of a solar-energy system makes a difference for Habitat families as well as the Apache Junction community. This donation is an example of SRP's commitment to the greater community through corporate philanthropy, said Roger Schwierjohn, president/CEO, Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona.
About Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona
Serving metropolitan Phoenix since 1985, Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona is a grassroots ecumenical housing organization whose mission is to eliminate substandard housing by building affordable housing and community partnerships that promote spiritual values and individual responsibility. The Central Arizona affiliate is one of the most active of the Habitat affiliates and is responsible for the building of over 700 new homes. Currently the affiliate is active in Apache Junction, Avondale, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix and Surprise.
About SRP
Salt River Project serves more than 935,000 electric customers using a mix of energy sources including solar, wind and geothermal. Customers who contribute to the SRP EarthWise Energy program help fund solar projects such as this one throughout the Valley.
