A solar project is underway in Jefferson for one local non-profit organization.

The Greene County Action Resource Center (ARC) was awarded a $32,227 grant from the Greene County Community Foundation to help install solar panels on the east side of the facility in Jefferson. ARC Manager Shirley Haupert explains the overall goal she wants the food pantry to eventually get to.

“Our utility bills in the summer time are about $600 per month. Right now, at this time of year, since we don’t have air conditioners, etc. going on, they’re about $300-$400 a month.That will all basically go away. Our utility bills should drop down to $20 a month compared to $300, $400, $500, $600 (a month). So look at the savings that we’re going to have.” 

Haupert adds the total project cost was $38,000, which she received additional grants and private donations to make up the difference in cost. Haupert is hopeful to use the additional money they save on utility costs to go toward purchasing additional food items for the increased number of people using the pantry.