Power of the Sun! Goodwill Industries of the Valleys will be decked out in new rooftop solar array in Roanoke

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Goodwill Industries of the Valleys will have a new source of power, the sun.

It’s all thanks to the new rooftop solar array that is located on the Goodwill Roanoke Jobs Campus building in Roanoke.

“This is our second solar array. Solar makes economic sense for Goodwill, and it aligns with our value of stewardship. The new array will save us money and be a long-term solution to rising energy costs,” said Jackson Green, Chief Financial & Compliance Officer for Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. “The money saved will provide for more opportunities for future investment in people, programs and new ventures which will strengthen our mission and the communities we serve. We are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of Goodwill.”

This is just one of many solar projects that RER Energy Group will develop for organizations and this is the first project for Standard Solar Inc.

“Adding this project to our commercial & industrial (C&I) portfolio is a meaningful step in helping non-profits, including Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, benefit from the power of solar and controlled energy costs,” said Eric Partyka, Director of Business Development-National Accounts for Standard Solar. “Adopting solar technology allows Goodwill to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance its mission to ensure every individual can acquire the skills and supports needed to earn a good job and advance into a sustainable career.”

This project will generate 90 percent of the building’s electricity needs with 547.92 kW. Breaking it down yearly, the project will reduce CO2 emissions that are equivalent to 581,205 pounds of coal and 63,964,861 smartphones charged. The project will also help produce 742 megawatt-hours of electricity yearly.