Namaste Solar Electric Launches Solar PV Grant Program
Boulder, CO, Feb 27, 2008
Source: Photonics Online.com
http://www.photonicsonline.com/content/news/article.asp?
DocID=%7B34D876AA-EC7A-43ED-A686-4339F06C3B3D%7D
Namaste Solar Electric announced recently the launch of a cutting-edge grant program that augments its comprehensive plan for corporate responsibility. The company aims to make solar energy affordable for nonprofit organizations by donating 1% of revenue annually in solar PV installations. Namaste Solar Electric is arguably the first solar PV installation company in the U.S. to offer a formal solar grant program to nonprofits.
Applications Now Accepted for June 27th Deadline
“We’re very excited to introduce our new grant program”, said Blake Jones, Co-owner and President. “As the word has spread about our commitment to giving back to our community – and specifically about our past solar system donations – we’ve been utterly overwhelmed with requests from a wide variety of organizations. Now that we have a well-defined grant application and process, we can more effectively analyze the requests we receive and be more efficient in our giving.”
According to Heather Leanne Nangle, Co-Owner and Director of Marketing & Community Relations, the grant program is funded by each of Namaste Solar’s employees. “Giving back to our community is an integral part of our company mission. Since each employee of Namaste Solar Electric is a co-owner, we collectively decided to dedicate a significant portion of our profit sharing pool to solar installations for local nonprofits. This makes each of us a true participant in the act of social responsibility,” said Ms. Nangle.
Namaste Solar grants are currently awarded to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the greater Denver/Boulder area, whose mission reflects values of positive social and environmental change. Recently awarded recipients include the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, both in Denver.
Annual deadlines for grant applications are in January and June. The next grant application deadline is June 27, 2008. Two grant opportunities for solar installations are offered:
1. Matching Grant: This program enables nonprofit organizations to benefit from a solar system installation with minimal contribution. The agency’s contribution can be secured through specific grants, fundraisers, angel donor/s, or with general operating funds. The Matching Grant amount calculates the retail price of the solar system, deducts the utility rebate amount (generally 50-60%), and Namaste Solar contributes 50% of the remaining amount.
2. Full Grant: This program enables nonprofit organizations to benefit from a solar system installation. The Full Grant amount calculates the retail price of the solar system, deducts the utility rebate amount (generally 50-60%), and Namaste Solar donates 100% of the remaining amount.
Applications for full and matching grants from Namaste Solar Electric are available online at http://www.namastesolar.com/matching_grant.pdf and http://www.namastesolar.com/full_grant.pdf
The grants offered by Namaste Solar Electric may be utilized in combination with programs offered by various nonprofits and government grants, such as the ClimateSmart grant offered by the City of Boulder. “Namaste Solar Electric’s grant provides a great service to the solar movement in Boulder. Funding sources from local governments and businesses can complement each other to make solar possible for community nonprofits” said Yael Gichon, Energy Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Boulder’s Office of Environmental Affairs.
Please direct all questions concerning the Namaste Solar Electric grant program to Heather Leanne Nangle at (303)447-0300 ext. 220 or hlnangle@namastesolar.com.
About Namaste Solar Electric
Namaste Solar Electric is the leading solar electric company in Colorado with over 350 systems installed since 2005. Dedicated to the betterment of the planet by bringing clean, reliable, and affordable renewable energy technologies to homes, businesses, and nonprofits in the Denver/Boulder area, Namaste Solar is 100% employee-owned. With a values-based business model and reputation for philanthropy, Namaste Solar is a likely partner for local businesses who want to make a positive impact on the community by purchasing a solar electric system. Namaste Solar is committed to maintaining the highest standards of environmental stewardship, customer satisfaction, employee morale, community involvement, and professional integrity. www.namastesolar.com