It has been over one year since the implementation of a cost-saving measure for a non-profit organization in Jefferson happened, and the results have been good.

Greene County Action Resource Center Director Shirley Haupert says the local food pantry purchased and installed solar panels in 2022 as a way to save money on utility costs. Haupert tells Raccoon Valley Radio after one year of service, they have saved $4,000 of energy costs. 

“That’s what we were looking for was a $4,000-$5,000 savings. So it’s been very good, and you know that’s where that money that we saved there, we ended up using to buy more food. So that’s the whole purpose for them.” 

The solar panels were made possible through a $32,227 Greene County Community Foundation grant for the $38,000 project. Haupert adds additional grants and private donations made up the other funds needed for the total cost of the project.