Food Bank of South Jersey Converts to Solar Power
Non-Profit Organization Estimates Migration to Renewable Energy Will Conserve $20,000 Annually at Its 65,000 Square-Foot Facility
Pennsauken, NJ, September 02, 2015 --(PR.com)-- The Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) – the area’s largest emergency food provider – announced today that it has recently completed installation of a solar photovoltaic system capable of generating 407,000 kWh annually.
The solar installation, funded through solar power investment company Skippack Energy, LLC, is expected to save FBSJ approximately $420,000 in energy costs over the next 20 years, covering nearly 90% of the non-profit organization’s energy consumption requirements.
FBSJ Chief Operating Officer Joe Njoroge spearheaded the project and indicates that FBSJ is among only a handful of food banks nationally to migrate to a renewable energy strategy.
“We are quite pleased to take this progressive step in stewardship,” stated Njoroge. “This is a green initiative that genuinely enhances our ability to execute our mission. We can steer more dollars into programs and services and less into electricity bills.”
FBSJ’s 65,000 square-foot facility houses offices for its professional staff as well as a massive distribution center that stores food inventories. Nearly 4,000 square feet of the distribution center is allocated to refrigeration and storage of perishable items.
The solar installation was performed by Dynamic Energy USA (Wayne, PA). As preparation for the project, Dynamic donated new roofing to FBSJ so that its lifecycle would be in step with the 20-year life expectancy of the solar panels. Njoroge indicates that 20,000 square feet of FBSJ’s rooftop remains available for expansion of its solar installation, should energy requirements increase.
Besides financing the project on behalf of its investors, Skippack Energy maintains operational oversight of the FBSJ solar installation, providing real-time monitoring of all systems.
“It is particularly gratifying to position the Food Bank of South Jersey to realize the significant, long-term savings made possible by the renewable energy market,” noted Skippack Energy Chairman and CEO, Jamie Maguire. “Ultimately, our investment in technology equips them to better help those with need. That’s a great return for all parties.”
“Our organization is truly indebted to the contributions, guidance, and patience demonstrated throughout the process by Skippack Energy, Dynamic Energy, and the law firm of Stevens and Lee, who donated countless hours of expert counsel to keep us on track.”
About the Food Bank of South Jersey
The Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) is the leader in providing safe and nutritional food to people in need throughout South Jersey. FBSJ distributes food, provides nutrition education and cooking courses, and helps food-insecure families and seniors find sustainable ways to improve their lives. In 2014, FBSJ provided 10.4 million pounds of food to nearly 200,000 South Jersey residents. FBSJ is a member of Feeding America, our nation’s largest hunger-relief organization. To learn more visit www.foodbanksj.org
About Skippack Energy, LLC
Skippack Energy is a niche energy company focused on providing non-profits and select businesses sustainable energy solutions at lower costs per kilowatt than typical energy companies. Skippack owns and operates over 1.5 Megawatts of solar energy through seven projects located primarily in New Jersey and Mid-Atlantic states. Skippack Energy is a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association and prides itself on its deep & lasting commitment to the sustainable energy business. To learn more visit www.skippackenergy.com
The solar installation, funded through solar power investment company Skippack Energy, LLC, is expected to save FBSJ approximately $420,000 in energy costs over the next 20 years, covering nearly 90% of the non-profit organization’s energy consumption requirements.
FBSJ Chief Operating Officer Joe Njoroge spearheaded the project and indicates that FBSJ is among only a handful of food banks nationally to migrate to a renewable energy strategy.
“We are quite pleased to take this progressive step in stewardship,” stated Njoroge. “This is a green initiative that genuinely enhances our ability to execute our mission. We can steer more dollars into programs and services and less into electricity bills.”
FBSJ’s 65,000 square-foot facility houses offices for its professional staff as well as a massive distribution center that stores food inventories. Nearly 4,000 square feet of the distribution center is allocated to refrigeration and storage of perishable items.
The solar installation was performed by Dynamic Energy USA (Wayne, PA). As preparation for the project, Dynamic donated new roofing to FBSJ so that its lifecycle would be in step with the 20-year life expectancy of the solar panels. Njoroge indicates that 20,000 square feet of FBSJ’s rooftop remains available for expansion of its solar installation, should energy requirements increase.
Besides financing the project on behalf of its investors, Skippack Energy maintains operational oversight of the FBSJ solar installation, providing real-time monitoring of all systems.
“It is particularly gratifying to position the Food Bank of South Jersey to realize the significant, long-term savings made possible by the renewable energy market,” noted Skippack Energy Chairman and CEO, Jamie Maguire. “Ultimately, our investment in technology equips them to better help those with need. That’s a great return for all parties.”
“Our organization is truly indebted to the contributions, guidance, and patience demonstrated throughout the process by Skippack Energy, Dynamic Energy, and the law firm of Stevens and Lee, who donated countless hours of expert counsel to keep us on track.”
About the Food Bank of South Jersey
The Food Bank of South Jersey (FBSJ) is the leader in providing safe and nutritional food to people in need throughout South Jersey. FBSJ distributes food, provides nutrition education and cooking courses, and helps food-insecure families and seniors find sustainable ways to improve their lives. In 2014, FBSJ provided 10.4 million pounds of food to nearly 200,000 South Jersey residents. FBSJ is a member of Feeding America, our nation’s largest hunger-relief organization. To learn more visit www.foodbanksj.org
About Skippack Energy, LLC
Skippack Energy is a niche energy company focused on providing non-profits and select businesses sustainable energy solutions at lower costs per kilowatt than typical energy companies. Skippack owns and operates over 1.5 Megawatts of solar energy through seven projects located primarily in New Jersey and Mid-Atlantic states. Skippack Energy is a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association and prides itself on its deep & lasting commitment to the sustainable energy business. To learn more visit www.skippackenergy.com
Contact
Food Bank of South Jersey
Lou Martelli
856-662-4884
foodbanksj.org
Lou Martelli
856-662-4884
foodbanksj.org
Contact
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