Roadrunner Food Bank Receives Solar Energy System Donated by ABQ Based Solar Energy Companies, Affordable Solar and Schott Solar

October 23rd, 2011 - Albuquerque, NM: The Roadrunner Food Bank is now generating their own electricity due to the generosity of Albuquerque based businesses and volunteers. On Oct. 22 & 23, 2011, a complete photovoltaic solar energy system was installed on the food bank’s roof top, allowing the food bank to offset their monthly electric bill, and in return put the money saved back into the food bank’s resources. Teresa Johansen, Purchasing Manager for the Roadrunner Food Bank says this energy savings “equals $17,890 in equivalent food value that we can distribute. Pretty huge impact and we’re very grateful.” Affordable Solar is donated the design work, permitting, project management, installation and commissioning of the system. David Hughes is the President and Founder of Affordable Solar and at one time relied on the Roadrunner Food Bank for assistance for him and his family. This is David’s way of giving back to the organization that helped him through a challenging time in his life. Other contributors of this solar energy project are Albuquerque based Schott Solar, donating 24 solar panels and Unirac, donating the roof mounting system. The inverter for the system was donated by Focused Energy. The total size of the system is 5 kilowatts, which will produce 8,835 kWh per year of renewable energy and will keep 10 tons of CO2 / year out of the atmosphere. National Roofing Co. and Frank’s Supply Co., Inc. also contributed critical services and equipment to this project. The system was installed on October 22, 2011, which is Albuquerque’s “Make a Difference Day”. Make a Difference Day is a national day of community service held annually at the end of October. Each year, volunteers throughout Albuquerque work to help improve the quality of life in our community through service projects. This was the local solar industry's way of making an enormous difference.