Allen Harim’s poultry processing plant in Harbeson, Delaware, is now drawing power from a six-acre field of solar panels. A ribbon cutting was held at the facility May 15. The 1.57 megawatt, multi-million dollar solar project features 4,992 solar panels, and is projected to generate 2.3 million kWh of power each year, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1,616 metric tons every year. 
 “This is another exciting environmental project for our company here in Harbeson and we are grateful to all our partners for making it happen,” said Joe Moran, president and CEO of Allen Harim. The energy produced by the solar panels will supply about 11 to 12 percent of the energy used at the Harbeson facility, he said.
Allen Harim will purchase 100 percent of the power produced from the solar panels under a 20-year power purchase agreement. The project was developed by Alternative Energy Development Group, Berwyn, Pennsylvainia, and is owned and operated by Onyx Renewable Partners.
“The addition of a multi-megawatt solar system which will generate clean, reliable and affordable power for decades to come for Allen Harim, fits perfectly with Allen Harim’s balanced approach to running a fiscally-prudent and environmentally-responsible company,” said Chris Fraga, founder and CEO of Alternative Energy Development Group.  “We applaud Allen Harim’s investors, their leadership team and the Harbeson staff for their vision and commitment to the project.” 


During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Fraga presented a check for $10,000 through the company’s Watts for Wishes charitable giving program to establish the Allen Harim Legacy Scholarship fund. Allen Harim will provide a $10,000 matching gift, and set up an endowed fund through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore. 
The Allen Harim Legacy Scholarship will provide $2,500 scholarships for children of employees and growers to attend college or trade schools. The company plans to use the savings from the solar project to grow the endowed fund to provide up to five scholarships a year.
“Some people seem to think we have to choose between having a cleaner, stronger environment and having a robust economy. I disagree. It is possible to pursue policies that protect our environment and public health, while creating jobs and growing our economy,” said US Sen. Tom Carper, ranking member on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “By pursuing clean and green energy, businesses like Allen Harim can reduce energy costs and be more competitive. I’m also so very pleased that Allen Harim will reinvest in its employees by using some of the savings toward college scholarships. That’s a true commitment to our local community.”

HORIZON INITIATIVE HOSTS "LIGHTS ON' EVENT FOR RURAL KENYA
Non-Profit Organization Brings Affordable Solution to Households in the Dark
(Lancaster PA)    22 million people living in rural Kenya have no light in their homes.  But the dedicated, driven team at Horizon Initiative have made it their mission to change that -- one household at a time.  

Horizon Initiative, headquartered in Lancaster, is hosting "Lights On:  A Night for a Brighter Africa" on Thursday, February 19.  The goal of the event is to increase awareness of this problem within the community, and showcase both reliable and affordable energy solutions.

"Imagine a life where darkness is the norm," said Bill Power, Horizon CEO.  "Think of how that unlit home would make earning a living far more difficult, reading and schoolwork impossible.  We can change that, and in doing so, improve the quality of life for so many in need."

Horizon Initiative is a non-profit organization that rescues Kenya’s orphaned children, and through housing, education and medical support, successfully transitions them to a life of self-sustainability. Horizon's mission also includes energy sustainability among rural Kenyan communities located off the power grid.

Through this community outreach initiative, Horizon has already distributed more than 500 solar lanterns to families living in poverty and darkness. These ‘solar kits’ mean that families no longer rely on costly and caustic kerosene to fuel lamps, improved home safety, cleaner household air, money saved, and a brightly lit home so that women can work later hours, and children can study after school.  

Results of the solar lighting project have been staggering, Power added.

"We've seen a dramatic improvement in the households we've transitioned to this clean, reliable and affordable lighting alternative," he said.  "Family health has improved, and kids are doing much better in school.  We know we are making a positive impact."

But it's only the beginning, he emphasizes.  

"Our work is just getting started," Power stated.  "That's why we need all of Lancaster to come out and learn how they can be a part of our mission to empower those in poverty to self-sustainability."

The Lancaster business community has stepped up their support for Horizon's mission, including a partnership with Alternative Energy Development Group (AEDG) that specializes in clean, affordable and sustainable energy.

Chris Fraga, AEDG's CEO, brings state-of-the-art solutions to this staggering problem, and is eager to work toward Horizon's goals.

"Self-sustainability and innovation is at the heart of all we do at AEDG," Fraga said.  "Which aligns us well with Horizon's mission to bring solar to rural Kenya. We're honored to call ourselves their Energy Ambassador in this cause."

Williston, VT Danforth Pewter and Gardener’s Supply Company, two nationally recognized Vermont-based specialty companies, have turned to the sun for emission-free power.
“This is a win through and through for Vermont and the stakeholders in the project.” - Chris Fraga, Founder and CEO of SolarSense LLC
   Danforth Pewter is a family-owned fine pewter crafter based in Middlebury, Vt.  Gardener’s Supply, headquartered in Burlington, Vt., is an employee-owned company providing environmentally friendly gardening products and information through its website, catalogs, and retail stores.  The two companies will share the output of the newly installed solar array.
   The 144kW (ac) system, constructed on the Pulling Farm in Addison, Vt., features dual axis AllSun Trackers, manufactured in Williston, Vt. by AllEarth Renewables, SunPower 345-watt solar panels, and a Power Purchase Agreement by SolarSense, LLC, a provider of clean, reliable and affordable power.
   The ground-mounted solar systems, installed under Green Mountain Power’s net metering program, will provide emissions-free, net metered solar electricity for each company at below-market rates through long-term energy contracts financed, owned, and operated by SolarSense, LLC.  
   The project was constructed utilizing AllSun Trackers, which track the sun throughout the day to maximize energy production, and the most efficient solar photovoltaic (PV) panel commercially available from SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR), a leading solar technology and global energy services provider based in Silicon Valley, Calif.    The optimized design has proven to be a winning combination.  In live “test energy” production the system produced 1,660kwh per kilowatt, a 36% output premium over traditional fixed-tilt racking and standard efficiencypanels.
   As part of the project, SolarSense will grant a Vermont Make-A-Wish Foundation child his or her wish as part of their “Watts for Wishes” charitable giving program.
   “This is a win through and through for Vermont and the stakeholders in the project,” said Chris Fraga, Founder and CEO of SolarSense LLC, the project developer.  “Not only will two of Vermont’s leading specialty firms embrace emission-free power as part of their sustainability objectives; AllEarth Renewables supplied the AllSun Trackers and provided engineering and construction services from their Williston headquarters; numerous Vermont suppliers and service partners provided products and construction services; the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA) provided debt financing for the project; Green Mountain Power interconnects yet another solar PV system in their mission to make Vermont a leader in sustainable energy; and a Make-A-Wish child from Vermont will have his orherwish fulfilled and funded by SolarSensevia the “Watts for Wishes” charitable giving program.   This project epitomizes our mission of socially conscious energy development, and we could not be more honored to be part of this initiative.”
   “AllEarth Renewables and SolarSense made it really easy for Danforth to become, as far as we know, the world's first solar-powered pewter workshop,” said Bram Kleppner, CEO of Danforth Pewter.  “We have been working on reducing our impact on the environment for a long time, and the creation of this solar farm allowed us to wipe out most of our electric energy carbon emissions in one fell swoop.  Since the solar project is sited on land owned by one of our employees, this project really hit a sweet spot: Danforth gets reduced electricity costs, the employee who's hosting the installation reduces her power bills more or less to zero, and the atmosphere stays a little cleaner. The fact that we're partnering with our friends at Gardener's Supply as we both convert our businesses to renewable energy just makes it that much sweeter."

   “The employee owners of Gardener’s Supply could not be more pleased to partner with Danforth Pewter, AllEarth Renewables and SolarSense to develop 100 percent renewable solar energy to power our Williston garden center,” said Jim Feinson, president of Gardener’s Supply Company.  “Gardeners are truly America’s backyard environmentalists, improving the world one garden at a time. They also have a very intimate relationship with the sun!  Now Gardener’s Supply can say we are improving our own “backyard,” and every garden center customer can feel even better shopping with us knowing the substantial electrical energy needed for our greenhouses and store is coming from solar.”
   “We are thrilled to partner with SolarSense to provide locally-produced solar power for two iconic Vermont companies.  Both Danforth Pewter and Gardener’s Supply have strong national reputations and their decision to go solar sends a strong message about the economic and environmental benefits of business-led renewable energy leadership,” said David Blittersdorf, president and CEO of AllEarth Renewables.  “By utilizing our tracking technology with high efficiency SunPower panels, we can maximize production, boosting the total solar savings for Danforth Pewter and Gardener’s Supply and the economic returns for each project.  It’s a real winning combination.” 


Please see this link for more information:
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/companies/allearth-renewables/ne...

Jasmine's wish to see Mini Mouse at Disney World was funded on Monday at the Gold Crust Baking facility in Landover MD.  The party for Jasmine and check presentation to Make A Wish was part of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Gold Crust's new Solar PV System.   Jasmine's wish was funded by Solar Developer and Wish Benefactor SolarSense as part of their "Watts for Wishes" charitable giving platform.  Thirty people participated in the event including Jasmine's family members, the Gold Crust Baking Executive Team, Make A Wish's Development Director and Volunteers, SolarSense team members and numerous partners and service contractors who participated in the Solar project.  "Seeing Jasmine smile and enjoy the party with her family members, and seeing her excitement over the presentation of party balloons, gifts, and talk of the upcoming trip to Disney World is what it's all about", said Chris Fraga, SolarSense's Founder & CEO.  "We are honored to be part of "Team Jasmine" and wish her and her family the trip of a lifetime".       ​

The AEDG team, led by members David Magagna Jr. and Jeff Nocella, and supported by Founder & CEO Chris Fraga, teamed with Dr. Testa to teach 8-weeks of summer class as part of the Julian Krinsky curriculum for business students.  Specific topics included:  Renewable and Alternative Energy Technologies featuring Solar PV and Bloom Energy Fuel Cell’s; Energy Development for the Commercial and Industrial market; and Energy Finance including the Power Purchase Agreement business model.
    Each week a group of students engaged in a combination of lectures, field trips to visit live Solar PV and Bloom Energy Fuel Cells in operation in the Philadelphia area, and case study/presentations by the students.  The camp’s domestic and international student population was able to learn and apply newfound energy knowledge to specifics of their home countries from China,  Panama, Colombia and Germany among others..  
   “The enthusiasm, intellect, and insights generated by the students has been overwhelming” commented David Magagna Jr., AEDG’s leader of the program.  ”Students are concerned about our world’s sustainability and future and appear eager to promote clean energy going forward.”
   Dr. Scott Testa led the Julian Krinskly Business curriculum, and invited AEDG to participate because of their subject matter expertise, innovative ideas and entrepreneurial success. “I requested AEDG to participate to bring outside of the box thinking, topics of relevance to a global student base, and their passion to create a memorable experience”, said Dr. Testa.   
   AEDG’s charitable “give-back” program includes Community Education at the middle, high school and collegiate level.  

R World Energy has officially joined the ranks of energy firms who have embraced the Watts for Wishes Charitable Giving Program.  CEO Frank Fazio proudly announced the news at R World’s sales meeting last week.   “We are excited to join in the public good that Watts for Wishes delivers, and are already working on the first wish that R World Energy will underwrite for a wish child in the Philadelphia area”, said Frank.   “We have always believed that Watts for Wishes would grow organically and virally as the word got out to charitable-minded leaders of companies in the energy space”, said Chris Fraga, AEDG’s CEO and Founder of the Watts for Wishes program.   “We are delighted and thankful to welcome the R World team, their clients and suppliers to the program”.  


   R World Energy provides the latest technologies and most forward-thinking services that are proven to reduce your energy and water consumption, minimize your carbon footprint, and increase your competitiveness while providing you with a significant Return on Your Investment (ROI).   Visit R World Energy at http://www.rworldenergy.com/

US Global Glow, a SolarSense partner and provider of progressive lighting and energy reduction solutions, announces a wish donation on behalf of their client Brown’s ShopRite in South Philadelphia. We are enthused and grateful to have US Global Glow and Brown’s ShopRite support the Make-a-Wish foundation and continue to deliver on the “Watts for Wishes” mission.” 
www.abclocal.go.com ​

The Watts for Wishes program grows! US Global Glow, a SolarSense partner, and provider of progressive lighting and energy reduction solutions, announces their adoption and sponsorship of the "Watts for Wishes" charitable program. US Global Glow President, Joe Wolf, along with their lighting-efficiency-and-retrofit client Brown's ShopRite, will sponsor their first wish with a sendoff party for a Make-A-Wish recipient on August 9th in SouthEastern PA. 
www.timesherald.com ​