The new Western Massachusetts YWCA Campus of Hope offers abused women and their families a safe haven through secure shelter, daycare, and educational resources. It will also offer them the power of the sun.

SCHOTT Solar and Berkshire Photovoltaic Services (BPVS) just announced the completion of a 28.6 kilowatt solar PV installation at the new YWCA facility.

“SCHOTT Solar is privileged to help bring solar to the Campus of Hope,” said Tom Hecht, President and chief sales officer of SCHOTT Solar PV, Inc. in a press release. “By working with organizations like the YWCA and our partner BPVS, our commitment to a strong U.S. solar industry expands beyond creating American jobs to creating a meaningful impact for facilities that help improve lives.”

Funded through a grant from the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust’s Green Affordable Housing Development Program and the Commonwealth Solar Rebate Program, the YWCA installation was designed and installed by BPVS on the new Campus of Hope housing complex. It features 130 SCHOTT POLY® 220 modules, made in Albuquerque, N.M.

“The YWCA installation is a wonderful example of how solar power projects are working in our communities, providing clean, renewable power not just to homes or commercial businesses, but also not-for-profit groups,” said Brian Lynch, regional East Coast sales manager for SCHOTT Solar. “The system will last for over 25 years, providing the YWCA with a reliable source of solar power to help off-set their power needs.”

The utility interactive solar installation will save the YWCA facility more than $5,000 annually in electricity costs and displace more than 19 tons of carbon emissions. Though the total amount of electricity needed to power the building is not yet known, SCHOTT Solar estimates the solar panels will meet an estimated 15 percent of the Campus of Hope’s energy needs.

“We want the public to know that solar is a smart energy solution for business owners, government entities and non-profit facilities,” said Isabelle Christensen, Chief Marketing Director of SCHOTT Solar PV, Inc. “In this case, we helped provide consistent electricity at a consistent price for people who needed it the most at the battered women facility.”

Image courtesy of SCHOTT Solar.