SunPower is joining Sun Light and Power and non-profit organizations Solar Richmond, Solar Living Institute and Rising Sun Energy Center to dedicate a 2-kilowatt SunPower solar system on the rooftop of EcoVillage Farm Learning Center in Richmond, Calif.
SunPower provided financial support for the project and joins with partner organizations to celebrate green collar job training for local youth.
With a grant from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Solar Living Institute, in collaboration with Solar Richmond and Rising Sun Energy Center, provided training to 18 students on the basics of solar electricity and installation.
Sun Light and Power then installed the SunPower solar array at EcoVillage, with assistance from the new trainees.
"SunPower is pleased to provide financial support for the solar array that will benefit the EcoVillage Farm Learning Center's sustainability goals, while providing an educational tool for its visitors," said Bobby Ram, director of global community relations for SunPower Corp.
"We are delighted to be a part of this dedication and embrace the organization's training program that enables local youth to learn new skills that can offer career opportunities in the future."
EcoVillage Farm Learning Center, which promotes environmental conservation, restoration, and growing a socially just community, is located on 5.6 acres of uniquely preserved, semi-rural farm land.
The farm will benefit from the solar array with an immediate 85 percent reduction on its energy bill, and receive a new element in its farming operations that will reinforce sustainability principles to thousands of local visitors.
Shyaam Shabaka, founder and executive director of EcoVillage Farm, added: "The SunPower system provides us with critical financial savings, allowing us to expand our operations and enhance our programs."
"We are confident that our trainees will use this hands-on solar knowledge as they develop their careers," said Michele McGeoy, executive director of Solar Richmond. "We commend SunPower for its commitment to the community and for the environmental leadership they continue to demonstrate through support of this project."
