Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC Announces Historic Solar Energy Project
Culmination of year-long partnership with Piedmont Environmental Alliance
Winston-Salem. N.C. (July 24, 2024) —Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC has announced it is investing in a one-megawatt roof top solar energy array at its 140,000 square- foot headquarters facility in Winston-Salem – the culmination of a year-long partnership with Piedmont Environmental Alliance. The installation will be the largest array of its kind in Forsyth County and one of the largest such arrays in North Carolina, projected to save Second Harvest $107,500 annually in electricity costs and $5.3 million cumulatively over 30 years.
Second Harvest is eligible to receive up to 50% of the $1.5 million project cost back from federal tax credits via the Inflation Reduction Act, with additional funding being sought from grantors with a particular commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable operating practices.
“The timing was right for this additional investment in sustainability and long-term cost reduction at our organization,” said Second Harvest Food Bank CEO Eric Aft, who announced the project yesterday during a launch event for Solarize The Triad, a newly formed public-private coalition leading a group purchasing program aimed at making solar energy more affordable for local homeowners, businesses, and nonprofits in the region.
"We're thrilled to be part of the Solarize the Triad Steering Committee and to partner with North Carolina-based Renu Energy Solutions, selected through our organization and the coalition's competitive bid processes. We are especially grateful to Will Eley, Green Jobs Program Manager at Piedmont Environmental Alliance, for his expertise and guidance in bringing Second Harvest to this milestone."
“This partnership is showing our community that we have everything we need to build a local economy that is more just, resilient, and sustainable,” said Eley. “Piedmont Environmental Alliance is so grateful for Renu and Second Harvest’s patience and values-driven missions. The Inflation Reduction Act, which made this project all the more possible, truly is a game-changer. And we look forward to supporting other individuals and institutions inspired to take action like Second Harvest.”
Renu Energy Solutions will design and build the system over the course of this year and next. When implemented, Second Harvest’s solar project, dubbed “Solar Harvest” is projected to offset 81% of the organization’s current electricity usage needs at its Winston-Salem headquarters.
"Renu Energy Solutions is honored to partner with Second Harvest Food Bank on this impactful project,” said Jay Radcliffe, President, Renu Energy Solutions. “Not only will this rooftop solar panel system generate clean and renewable energy, it will also save on electricity costs. These savings will ultimately go directly towards Second Harvest's core mission: fighting hunger in our communities."
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Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC is the regional food bank and Feeding America affiliate for 18 counties in Northwest North Carolina, from Boone to Burlington, north to the Virginia line and south to Davie and Davidson. Working with our community and partners, we strive to increase food security and create pathways that build a stronger region, toward a vision of food secure and healthy communities. We believe that access to food is a right – the foundation each of us needs to live our best life and for our communities to thrive. EVERYONE DESERVES TO EAT. Supporting our region’s food assistance network is the core of our work at Second Harvest. We partner with farmers, food manufacturers, retail grocers, and the community (food drives) to serve as the primary source of food for a network of nearly 500 local food assistance programs (pantries, community kitchens, shelters, and meals programs for children and seniors) serving communities across Northwest North Carolina. Surrounding these efforts is our work to address food insecurity at the root, including workforce development, partnerships with health systems and schools, nutrition education, public policy advocacy, and more. For more information, visit us at SecondHarvestNWNC.org.
Piedmont Environmental Alliance (PEA) is a Winston-Salem based nonprofit that is committed to a more just, resilient, and environmentally sustainable Piedmont Triad. Since its founding twenty years ago, PEA has been effecting change by educating and empowering students, convening diverse groups of community stakeholders and leaders, and influencing elected officials on the most pressing environmental and climate justice imperatives. Learn more about PEA’s work at peacnc.org
Renu Energy Solutions is a locally-owned turnkey solar and energy storage provider. Founded in 2010, Renu Energy Solutions has completed over 5,000 solar installations and more than 1,000 energy storage projects. As a licensed General and Electrical Contractor, Renu adheres to the highest industry standards, supported by NABCEP certified employees. Renu Energy Solutions is dedicated to a customer-centric approach to renewable energy, striving to empower the Triad community with knowledge and access to sustainable energy options.