Harambee and Habitat for Humanity Homes go Solar
I had the opportunity to be involved in a great project over the last three days that was Green as well as socially and environmentally conscious. In my play book that’s a Tremendous Trifecta!
Habitat for Humanity is building 25 homes at different locations this year--all Energy Star rated and with Renewable Energy systems. Seven homes are getting solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that produce electricity to offset the homes' energy use, as well as 18 solar thermal systems that will supplement hot water heating using solar power.
The PV installation was a collaborative project between Habitat for Humanity, WE Energies, and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association. The MREA utilized this partnership for a 3 day advanced PV training installation class in Milwaukee.
Craig Buttke from Northwind in Stevens Point led the install and class for the MREA. The seven participants in the training had previous classes and experience in the solar field, which was a prerequisite for participation. They came from Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago area. Participants included men and women from different fields, such as electricians, solar and wind installers, general contractors, and land surveyors.
Harambee Neighborhood Revitalization
The construction of ten homes in 2009 is part of larger holistic revitalization plan in the Harambee community to benefit the neighborhood through housing, redevelopment and education. This plan was created by the Harambee Great Neighborhood Steering Committee, a coalition consisting of residents and community organizations.
A detailed profile of Harambee can be found here: http://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/Harambee-Milwaukee-WI.html
The home that received a solar PV system this week is the Willow model and is located at 3000 N Richards St., at the corner of Richards and Chambers. Additional homes in the Harambee neighborhood are slated to get both Solar Hot Water and PV and will also be used as advanced training opportunities. The homes are located in the 3000 block of N. Richards Street, the 200 block of E. Burleigh Street and the 3100 block of N. Buffum Street.
For more info on these homes and on Renewable Energy Technologies and incentives please see:
- www.milwaukeehabitat.org
- www.mrea.org
- www.energystar.gov
- www.we-energies.com
- www.northwindre.com
- www.urbanrevitalizationgroupllc.com
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