Green Power 4 Texas’ Free “Green (Boot Camp): A Solar Intensive” Teaches, Feeds Kids at Low-Income Apartments

Behind-The-Meter-Solar.com - Thanks to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), GREEN POWER 4 TEXAS taught Texas kids and adults yesterday, November 19th from 10 to 11:30 AM about green jobs, solar panels, solar powered attic fans, and smart, healthy living at its free "GREEN [BOOT CAMP] for Apartment Communities: A Hands-on Solar Intensive."

In October, GREEN POWER 4 TEXAS installed a 60kW solar PV electricity generation system, featuring SunPower high performance and high efficiency solar panels behind-the-meter for net-metering at a low-income HUD housing apartment community in southwest Houston. In under four weeks, GREEN POWER 4 TEXAS engineered, procured and installed nearly 200 solar panels on four rooftops - a 60kW behind-the-meter solar PV system - to help the apartment's primary community building and offices to achieve net-zero electricity for the next 25+ years. This solar PV installation followed GREEN POWER 4 TEXAS' installation of 100+ Texas solar powered attic ventilation systems in August, at the end of Texas' historic 122-year heat wave and nearly ten Texas electricity grid emergency events.

During the 12-day solar PV installation, one nine-year-old resident enthusiastically asked GREEN POWER 4 TEXAS' installers, "How old do you have to be to do what you're doing?" Instead of keeping this young man in suspense nine more years before his first green job as a solar installer, GREEN POWER 4 TEXAS wrapped up this solar energy project by hosting for free its GREEN [BOOT CAMP] for Apartment Communities: A Hands-on Solar Intensive” training event, which took place Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 10 to 11:30 AM at 2020 Rocky Falls Road, Richmond, Texas 77469.

"As managers and stewards of the property, these solar projects mitigate against future energy price uncertainty, risk and volatility,” said Kenneth Tann, President of Multi-family Mission Ministries, Inc. (MMM Housing) which redeveloped and manages Brazos Bend Villa Apartments and other affordable housing apartments in Texas and Louisiana. “More importantly, tenants with lower bills, more comfortable living spaces, and an hands-on understanding about energy efficiency, water conservation and healthy living are happier."

Attendees:
enjoyed FREE organic and local food

learned about Brazos Bend's new 100+ solar powered attic fans and high performance, high efficiency 60kW behind-the-meter solar PV electricity generation system

heard about other easy, green ways that kids and families can save money, get better green jobs, and enjoy healthier, happier lives, and

helped plant fruit trees (satsuma and clementine mandarins, grapefruit, jujube, pomegranate and pecan) that should produce $100,000 of healthy food for residents over the next 20+ years.

One elementary school student said that he had never seen a solar panel. With solar panel prices dropping 30 to 40 percent in 2011, Texans will be seeing more solar panels. Just as a recent USA Today story confirmed 'Solar is beginning to go mainstream.' In some parts of the United States and for certain customers, 'grid parity' is already a reality, which is not hard to believe since the photoelectric effect was discovered and the first solar cells were patented in the late 1800's.

“You should have seen the children’s intrigue, enthusiasm and smiles as everyone learned about how the sun powers all living things and even some buildings," said Mark Alan Robinson, Partner at GREEN POWER 4 TEXAS (www.greenpower4texas.com). “It is an honor to be part of Brazos Bend’s ongoing mission and faith-based ministry."

GREEN POWER 4 TEXAS and Multifamily Management Ministries thank the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for investing in the kids and families at Brazos Bend Villa Apartments, and in healthier air quality for all Texans with these solar powered attic fans and solar PV systems. And, many thanks to San Jacinto Environmental Supplies, Tree Search Farms, PV Rentals and The Home Depot for contributing to this event for kids, and to all the attendees from as far away as Conroe and Fulshear.

About Multi-family Mission Ministries, Inc:
MMM Housing is a non-profit, Christian ministry that loves its neighbors by acquiring, operating and maintaining low and moderate-income apartment housing and other affordable housing properties in Texas and Louisiana.

About Momentum Bay’s GREEN POWER 4 TEXAS:
GREEN POWER 4 TEXAS is a full-service energy management consulting firm focused on sustainability. The firm procures and manages energy for primarily green businesses and green buildings, particularly those pursuing LEED & ENERGY STAR certifications.

Contact:
Mark Alan Robinson
Momentum Bay LLC
1177 West Loop South, Suite 500
Houston, TX 77027
877-ECO-TEXAS