TEMECULA, Calif., July 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Horizon Solar Power (Horizon), a premier designer and installer of residential and commercial solar systems in Southern California, announced today the launch of its "Acts of Sunshine" program. The initiative was developed to support the company's ongoing commitment to playing a positive and vital role in Southern California and making a difference in lives of its residents. Through "Acts of Sunshine," Horizon will partner with local organizations to collaboratively give back to surrounding communities, while educating homeowners and local businesses about the significant environmental and cost-saving benefits of renewable energy.
As part of the "Act of Sunshine" launch, Horizon also announced The Growing Experience (TGE) as the program's inaugural partner. Operated by the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles, the 7-acre urban farm located in North Long Beach is an environmental resource center serving residents of the Carmelitos public housing community and the greater Los Angeles and Long Beach communities. The farm's innovative programs and activities showcase environmental sustainability, water and resource conservation, as well as new technology research and implementation. In addition, TGE provides low-income residents with affordable access to fresh produce through its community-supported agriculture (CSA) program and weekly farm stand, as well as skills training and education for youth and young adults.
"When we were approached by The Growing Experience to assist them with installing solar panels at their facility, we became very excited about the opportunity to help them minimize the cost of installation, so that they can save money on their electric bill and create a sustainable footprint. We are proud to be a part of this organization's mission to improve the lives of residents in Long Beach with clean, sustainable food," said Geri Green, Chief Marketing Officer, Horizon Solar Power.
"With the solar panels provided by Horizon Solar Power, we plan to offset our energy use and serve as a demonstration project for the community, to educate residents about renewable energy," added Jimmy Ng, Program Director for The Growing Experience. "We have an aquaponics system with pumps and filters that we also want to eventually power by solar energy. Our ultimate goal is to make this a net-zero demonstration project."
Through its partnership with Horizon and the "Act of Sunshine" program, The Growing Experience is currently installing an 8.19 kW solar array as a ground-mounted system. Production will offset an estimated 24% of the electricity needs of the greenhouse, but Ng aspires for solar power to eventually produce 100% of their electricity needs, making the farm net-zero. The project was made possible for The Growing Experience in part by a $15,000 grant late last year from the Boeing Company, as part of its Global Corporate Citizenship Program.
"We are thrilled to launch this program and anticipate growing our "Acts of Sunshine" partnerships in the weeks and months ahead," continued Green. "The program provides us the opportunity to give back to the So Cal community and, in the case of The Growing Experience, lower the operating costs of a local organization for decades to come through the use of solar energy. This is especially helpful for a public agency, since they are typically not eligible to take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit."
To learn more about Horizon Solar Power, please visit www.horizonsolarpower.com.
Frank Kneller
Horizon Solar Power
frank@horizonsolarpower.com
Brian Fallers
Muse Marketing + Creative
brian@musemc.com