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 Marguerite Crowell, of San Bernardino, will save nearly 50 percent on her electricity bill thanks to her home's new rooftop solar electric system installed by GRID Alternatives through the Solar Affordable Housing Program for lower-income homeowners.
“I’d heard
about solar, but never thought I’d be able to get it.”
These are
the words of Marguerite Crowell, a retired school nurse and 38-year resident of
San Bernardino. With medical bills, higher living expenses, a daughter and
grandson to raise and support, Crowell was fed up with paying an electric bill
that sometimes reached over $400 a month.
Then Crowell
met Leida Chambliss and the friendly people from GRID Alternatives, a nonprofit solar contractor that leads teams of volunteers
and job-trainees who install solar electric systems for low-income families
through their Solar Affordable Housing Program.
“She (Leida)
came in and told me what I needed. I was glad to have her, they’re all very
friendly. They connect with you and explain how important it is to have solar,”
Crowell said.
Most
importantly, they help homeowners realize the money they can save on their
electric costs by switching to solar.
“We want to
help families like Mrs. Crowell’s save on their electricity bills, afford to
stay in their homes, and improve their quality of life,” A. Bambi Tran, GRID
Alternatives Inland Empire Regional Director, said. “And in the Inland Empire in
2015, we’re going to focus our work in disadvantaged communities that are
disproportionately vulnerable and burdened by pollution.”
Since 2004,
GRID Alternatives has installed renewable power for over 4,000 families,
preventing the release of 340,000 tons of greenhouse gasses over the systems'
lifetimes and providing more than $110 million in energy cost savings. More
than 15,000 volunteers and job trainees have received hands-on solar
installation work experience as part of the program.
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After qualifying, a team of two supervisors and eight volunteers came to Crowell’s home and installed her new rooftop solar electric system in just two days.
“They were so organized. They had everything they needed—the safety equipment, helmets, tools—they work like professionals, everything was done properly. I was amazed by how organized they were, nice and cheerful too.”
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Crowell can now expect to save nearly 50 percent on annual electricity costs thanks to the new solar panels installed on her roof; over $1300 this year alone, and approximately $38,000 in lifetime savings.
“My bills were almost $400 a month, so that was a big relief. When you’re on your pension and social security, you can’t do it. It hits you hard,” Crowell said.
Crowell flipped the switch on her new solar panel electric system on Jan. 14 during a celebration at her home attended by local dignitaries, neighbors, friends, and the GRID Alternatives team. Crowell says her neighbors took note of the new addition to her home and are now looking to qualify for their own solar electric system courtesy of GRID Alternatives.
She applauds GRID Alternatives for their friendliness and assistance throughout the entire process.
“They kept me updated all the time. You can call, ask questions, and they’ll be there.”
To find out if you qualify for a solar electric system for your home, call GRID Alternatives at (888) 496-4743 or email infoie@gridalternatives.org.
Photo courtesy: GRID Alternatives
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