Austin based non-profit organization has teamed up with Meridian Solar to install a 202 kW solar electric system that offers long term financial and environmental benefits.

Austin, Texas June 26, 2013

LifeWorks, an Austin based non-profit organization has teamed up with Meridian Solar to create the largest, single location solar system of any non-profit in Central Texas.

Meridian Solar, one of the nation's largest and oldest solar energy developers, installed a 202 kW solar electric system at LifeWorks' Pleasant Valley Road facility. The multi-application system is comprised of a 142 kW solar carport structure, a 60 kW roof mounted system, and two electric vehicle charging stations.

Since 1998, LifeWorks has been specializing in services for foster care and homeless youth, as well as teen parents and families. The organization is now looking toward renewable energy in efforts to uphold and expand their mission of community outreach and advancement.

"We are an organization providing counseling, housing, youth development and education services to over 10,000 individuals each year. The decision to go solar at this site sends an even broader message about how we value the community and its resources and how we want our LifeWorks buildings to be sustainable for a very long time," said Susan McDowell, LifeWorks Executive Director.

"This solar project takes LifeWorks from a 4-star Austin Energy Green Building to a 5-star, the top rating under the Austin Energy Green Building Program," said Chief Operating Officer, Mitch Weynand. More and more non-profits are turning to sustainable energy systems due to the energy savings and the financial benefits that come with the technology.

"Why ‘going solar' is important to a non-profit organization is very simple - you can save money," stated Weynand. "Future costs of operating your building will be reduced by not having to pay that huge utility bill".

While the monetary advantages of solar energy are significant, it is the sustainability benefits that really excite the LifeWorks team. "Certainly it makes financial sense, but even more importantly for LifeWorks, it makes environmental sense, and it's just an extension of our mission and who we are and who we want to be for the community," said McDowell.

The LifeWorks solar project was completed in June of 2013. A commissioning ceremony is being planned for a date TBA in July at the LifeWorks facility.

Website: http://www.meridiansolar.com Additional photos available upon request
More information about LifeWorks: http://www.lifeworksaustin.org.
Partners In Shine: http://www.meridiansolar.com/partnersinshine/
For more information contact Brad Powell bpowell(at)meridansolar(dot)com D: 512 410-3876