To kick off solar week, The Philadelphia Energy Authority, Greenworks Lending, and the Capers Company LLC announced they are placing solar panels on Germantown Daycare Center, reducing the building’s carbon footprint by 6,900 metric tons of CO2e emissions.
The project was made possible by C-PACE financing, which opens up a world of possibilities for renewable energy markets in Philadelphia. It uses borrowed capital to pay for the upfront costs associated with renewable energy improvements and energy efficiency, allowing investors to repay over time with a voluntary tax assessment. This model encourages businesses unwilling to invest in expensive, traditionally financed renewable energy projects to make changes that will have meaningful, long-term financial and environmental benefits.
The chosen location for the project has a symbolic meaning as well. William Capers, Principal of the Capers Company, noted that their goal is to leave a better world behind for the children that the Germantown Daycare Center team cares for.
“We feel it is most suitable and fitting that this project benefits a building that caters to the care of children, supporting them now and with the goal of leaving a better earth for them,” he shared.
There are still opportunities for Philadelphia residents, homeowners, and their children to finish off the week with solar-themed programming. Sessions include:
Visit the Philadelphia Solar Week website for more information about the events.
You can also check out Green Philly’s articles about the demand for solar energy and the steps we need to be taking to encourage solar energy implementation to learn what you can do right now.
Want your kids to learn about the importance of solar energy? Encourage them to participate in an art competition!
Creators between ages 5-8 are asked to use materials around their home to create a drawing or collage showing the benefits of solar energy.
Designers aged 9-13 should create artwork to show how solar energy can impact our future.
Resolvers aged 14-18 make artwork to propose a solar solution to an existing problem in their community.
Prizes are awarded for winning entries, and art must be submitted by August 24. Click here for more details.
Solarize Philly is asking community members to submit a video answering one or more of the following questions:
Videos should be between 1 and 3 minutes in length, oriented in landscape, and submitted in mp4 format. You are also encouraged to include footage of yourself, family members, and visuals of your solar array. Click here for details on how to submit your video.
Prizes are awarded for winning entries, and the submission deadline is August 24.
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