Photo by Eric Kay.
"It’s one thing to say we should be ‘green’, invest in new technology and be a good example; it’s another to actually do those things.” - Raymond Gray, Board President of the Capitol Area Council
Austin, Texas (PRWEB) April 15, 2014
With the help of Meridian Solar, the Boy Scouts of America’s Capitol Area Council has gone solar. The 74.15 kW solar array sits atop the 31,400 square foot Frank Fickett South Training and Service Center. The installation, which is partially visible from Interstate-35, is made up of 299 solar modules and will equate to around $360,000 in energy savings over 25 years.
Not only will the solar energy assist in financial savings, but the 74.15 kW array will effectively save 127,672 pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted, similar to 2,188 trees being planted.
For the Boy Scouts, choosing to procure solar energy was an easy choice. Raymond Gray, Board President of the Capitol Area Council explains: “It didn’t just make financial sense to incorporate solar power; it matched the values we have taught generations of Americans for more than 100 years and continue to believe today. It’s one thing to say we should be ‘green’, invest in new technology and be a good example; it’s another to actually do those things.”
This project was of particular significance to Meridian Solar’s President and Founder, Andrew McCalla. “This organization and its mission are close to my heart, as I am a third generation central Texas Scout. When Meridian decided to partner with the Capitol Area Council to help them capture the benefits of solar energy, I knew that this installation would have benefits well beyond that of lowering the operating costs of the Frank Fickett Center. In addition to freeing up funds to further scouting's core mission, the installation will serve as an educational platform in the benefits or renewable resources for thousands of present and future Scouts.”
About Meridian Solar: Meridian Solar specializes in the development, engineering, construction, and financing of high-quality solar electric generation projects. What began in 1999, Meridian Solar has grown to procure more than 600 installations with an installed capacity of 40 MW across 15 states. In 2013, Meridian Solar was ranked the #1 solar contractor in the state of Texas.
About Boy Scouts of America, Capitol Area Council: The Capitol Area Council is part of the Boy Scouts of America, whose mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Serving Central Texas since 1912, the Capitol Area Council provides one of the most proven leadership and character development programs to more than 20,000 youth members between 7 and 20 years.