Crowdfunding Brings a Solar Christmas to a Lucky 9th Ward Homeowner
New Orleans, LA (PRWEB) December 23, 2014 -- Friends, family, and employees of Solar Alternatives, a locally owned solar energy firm in New Orleans, recently raised over $1,500 to repair the solar panels on an elderly resident’s Lower 9th Ward home.
Ms. Mabel Howard originally contacted Solar Alternatives in early November because her panels, which were donated by Sharp Electronics after Hurricane Katrina, were no longer lowering utility bills. The increased expense was becoming difficult to afford, and she asked for help.
When functioning, the solar panels saved Ms. Howard around $50 every month, which amounted to a full basket of groceries and gas to get to and from work.
After visiting Ms. Howard’s home, Solar Alternatives chief engineer Mike Murphy determined the solar panel system required a new inverter—a job that would cost about $1,500 in parts alone.
Ms. Howard could not afford the additional expense. However, employees at the local solar firm quickly realized that arranging for repairs was the right thing to do. Company owner Jeff Cantin agreed to cover the approximately $1000 cost of labor and installation if employees were able to raise money to purchase the parts.
Ryne Artigue, marketing manager at Solar Alternatives, utilized a popular crowd-funding site, gofundme.com, to accept donations from everyone who wanted to contribute. The page was titled “Give the Gift of Solar," and numerous posts were made to company and personal social media pages as well as the company newsletter.
Solar Alternatives employees, friends, family, solar owners, and even other local solar companies helped share and promote the page and, within just two weeks, met the goal to raise $1,500.
The Solar Alternatives family is proud to announce that Ms. Howard will be notified of the special gift just in time for Christmas. The date for the unveiling event has yet to be determined, but the media is welcome to attend. Contact Ryne Artigue for up-to-date event information. Visit the crowdfunding page to learn more: http://www.gofundme.com/givethegiftofsolar as well as the company Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/solaralternatives.
About Solar Alternatives
Solar Alternatives was founded in 2008 to provide affordable, productive, and durable solar and renewable energy systems solutions for Southeast Louisiana. Social and environmental practices is part of Solar Alternative’s core values and strengthens its commitment to be a leader in environmental stewardship.
Ryne Artigue, Solar Alternatives, http://www.solalt.com/, +1 (504) 432-9580, [email protected]
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