Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project Held a Solar Picnic – 10/28/2022
Posted on November 1, 2022, by Loretto Community
The Loretto Carbon Reduction Fund is excited to highlight a recent grant recipient: the Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project (SVBHP).
On Friday, October 28, supporters of the Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project held a “Solar Picnic.” Participants watched as solar installers from Green Hill Solar installed the solar panels on the roof of SVBHP’s center located at 425 Hill Street in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Photo by Jeff Heie
The mission of SVBHP is to learn, share and illuminate the rich African American history and culture of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. SVBHP provides internet access, help with ancestry research, a library containing books specific to their mission, and a safe space to build bridges with neighbors.
Photo by Jeff Heie
The solar and energy efficiency project has been a success due to the support and generosity of many community partners, including the Loretto Carbon Reduction Fund. The project started with an energy audit completed by Charles Hendricks of Gaines Group Architects. Based on the findings of the energy audit, members of the Harrisonburg Carpenter’s Guild carried out weatherization and energy efficiency improvements on the building. In the near future, a new heating and cooling system will be installed using high efficiency ductless mini-splits. The solar system will be installed by Green Hill Solar, a Harrisonburg-based full service solar installation company that serves the Shenandoah Valley.
Regarding this community collaboration, Monica Robinson, Executive Director of the SVBHP, shares, “I’m thrilled to partner with so many community organizations and allies on a project that will make our organization stronger and more sustainable into the future. Solar and energy efficiency upgrades to our building will make us more effective at achieving our core mission while contributing to environmental solutions.”
Photo by Jeff Heie
In addition to in-kind contributions, community partners raised $11,927 toward the costs of this project.
Additional information about the energy efficiency and solar project can be found here. For more information about the Loretto Carbon Reduction Fund or to support it, click here.
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