The Upper Etowah River Alliance, an organization committed to the conservation of one of Georgia’s most beautiful river basins, announced the completion of a solar photovoltaic array funded by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA). The array was designed and installed by Atlanta-based Radiance Solar, and is one of seven projects Radiance plans to complete through the GEFA-funded Georgia Non-Profit Solar Project.
The 4.8kW photovoltaic system consists of 20 solar modules manufactured by Georgia-based Suniva. The Suniva system is situated atop the River Alliance’s Canton headquarters, creating approximately 6,480 kWh every year. This clean energy creation is expected to offset 100 percent of the facility’s energy usage, furthering the Alliance’s mission to “…conserve, sustain and enhance the beauty and environmental health of the Upper Etowah River Watershed.”
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) provided over $790,000 to Radiance Solar through the renewable energy competitive grant to fund the Georgia Non-Profit Solar project. The Upper Etowah install is the first of seven non-profit projects Radiance will complete in early-2011 in an effort to increase the visibility of renewable energy in the state of Georgia and create clean-tech job opportunities. In addition to stimulating the state’s renewable energy industry, the Georgia Non-Profit Solar Project promises to provide energy cost savings to humanitarian organizations such as Upper Etowah, MedShare International, the Atlanta Food Bank, and others.
Radiance Solar CEO James Marlow says, “We are proud to showcase the Upper Etowah River Alliance as the inaugural installation in our series of photovoltaic arrays for the Georgia Non-Profit Solar Project. GEFA has made it possible for non-profit organizations across the state to display, educate and prosper from clean energy technology.”
About Upper Etowah River Alliance:
The Upper Etowah River Alliance (UERA), a largely volunteer organization, is committed to informing and educating the citizenry responsible for the conservation, sustainability and enhancement of the beauty and environmental health of the Upper Etowah River Watershed. They serve the five counties whose land masses form the river from the headwaters in Lumpkin County, through Dawson, Pickens, Forsyth and Cherokee, forming Lake Allatoona. UERA provides educational programs to school students, upwards of 5,000 will be reached in Cherokee County by the end of this school year; helps demonstrate unique Low Impact methods of stormwater control on their Cherokee County-owned property; and through their current Federal 319 (h) Clean Water Act grant, provide expertise and financial assistance to help citizens, businesses and municipalities solve non point source pollution problems.
About Radiance Solar:
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Radiance Solar LLC designs, develops and installs turnkey solar energy systems that help commercial and residential customers save money while reducing their environmental impact. Radiance is a triple bottom-line company: people, planet, profits. Their focus is on providing outstanding customer service and helping customers determine what they need to do to save money, reduce their environmental impact and help America become energy independent.
About the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (www.gefa.org):
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) provides energy, land and water resources resulting in an improved quality of life for today and future generations. GEFA is the lead agency for state energy programs and is home to the Center of Innovation for Energy; directs the Georgia Land Conservation Program and maintains state-owned fuel storage tanks; and offers financing for reservoir and water supply, water quality, storm water and solid waste infrastructure. Since 1985, GEFA has approved financial commitments totaling more than $3 billion to local governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.gefa.org.
