PHOENIX, Ariz. (Oct. 8, 2020): APS is installing solar-covered parking structures, a rooftop solar system and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the Human Services Campus (HSC) as part of the company’s Solar Communities and Take Charge AZ programs for non-residential customers and organizations serving limited-income populations.
HSC is a 13-acre property west of downtown Phoenix where 16 independent nonprofit agencies provide collaborative services and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. HSC has been focused on helping individuals move off the streets and into permanent housing for 15 years.
Installation of the 371-kilowatt solar system by Harmon Solar is expected to be completed by the end of October and will be energized later this year. Once in operation, HSC is projected to receive a monthly credit of almost $930 a month for the next 20 years in addition to being able to take advantage of 100-covered parking spaces. The EV chargers are expected to be in operation by mid-December timeframe for use by staff and the public.
“This incredibly generous opportunity provides so many benefits for the staff at the Human Services Campus, and we are deeply grateful,” said HSC Executive Director Amy Schwabenlender.
The APS Solar Communities Program for non-residential customers was designed for organizations serving the limited income population, including Title I schools, nonprofits, rural governments and municipalities. Participation in the program is free and qualified non-residential customers receive a solar-covered parking structure and a monthly bill credit on their energy bill. While the program is now closed to new non-residential applicants, APS is on track to install nearly 40 solar parking structures as part of the program.
“The Solar Communities Program and Take Charge AZ are mutually beneficial as they will support HSC in their mission to serve the homeless population in Phoenix while advancing clean energy in Arizona,” said Dawn Tompkins, Manager of Customer to Grid Solutions at APS. “The programs are an essential part of our company’s clean energy commitment and it wouldn’t be possible without the participation of nonprofit partners like Human Services Campus.”
APS’ Take Charge AZ pilot program covers the cost of installing and maintaining its EV charging equipment at businesses, government agencies, non-profits and multifamily communities. The customer pays for the energy used by the chargers, which will be metered on a separate account and service plan. The program encourages fueling up when energy prices are lower, including mid-day when solar energy is abundant.
For more information about APS, visit www.aps.com. For more information about the Human Services Campus, visit www.keystochangeaz.org.
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Media Contacts:
Amy Schwabenlender
CEO
Keys to Change
602-281-8628
amys@keystochangeaz.org
