Mar 31 2010
Aide Solar, a leading photovoltaic module producer, announced that the installation of its 180 watt monocrystalline solar panels has been completed at Horses Help, a non-profit organization, in Phoneix, Arizona. This initiative is part of a bigger Urban Farm Model planned by the therapeutic riding center to preserve resources as well as to control costs. Other green measures adopted by the center include a water cistern, a composting system, a community garden, and a weather station.
Executive Director at Horses Help Therapeutic Riding Center, Gregg Goodman, said the project aligns perfectly with its education and rehabilitation goals. This project will serve as an example for other non-profit organizations to adopt green initiatives. In addition, the money saved due to the project will enable the centre to serve more of special abilities population.
Goodman further said that the therapeutic riding center will be installing more solar panels and a geothermal heating and cooling systems. It will also conduct classes on the interdependency of sustainability and conservation with practical training on water harvesting, composting and gardening.
Horses Help's sustainability project manager, Thomas Carter III, is of the view that solar power has to play a big role in helping non-profit organizations and low-income people to reduce energy costs. He further said that through installation of solar panels, anticipated energy costs can be significantly reduced and realize benefit through sustainable savings.
The Phase I solar installation with a capacity of 3.3 kW at Horses Help will provide electricity for the administrative offices and educational facility. The proposed Phase II solar installation will provide power to drive DC fans that are utilized for composting process. When the fans are idle, the generated power will be diverted to meet the needs of other off-grid activities of the permaculture and composting operations.
Source: www.HorsesHelp.org