Interfaith Assistance Ministry

This 38.5 kW grid-tied system is mounted on a ballasted flat roof racking solution, with Hanwha Q-Cells and SolarEdge Optimization Technology.

At this time of year when the focus is on giving, it is gratifying to share that Henderson County’s largest provider of crisis services, Interfaith Assistance Ministry, or IAM, recently celebrated the grand opening of their solar-powered facility last week.  The new $3 million services center was built by the generous support of their community to help the poor, underserved and the working poor in need of a ‘hand—up,’ according to Elizabeth Willson Moss, IAM’s Executive Director.

Fundraising through IAM’s Capital Campaign for the impressive building, designed by Frank Kelsch of HomeSmith Architecture, was extensive and reflects the strong support IAM has in their community. Just over $10,000 of the funds from that campaign were dedicated to the solar energy system. Additional funding was procured for the system from the Henderson County Community Foundation, including a $60,000 award from Robert & Martha Adams’ Donor Advised Fund, along with a $20,000 award.  “We are so excited about the grant and donation from a donor that has led to the installation of solar panels across our roof.  The savings we anticipate on our power bill will help us directly help more local residents in need,” said Ms. Moss.

As the 38.5 kW solar electric system was commissioned at the start of the month, these savings are just being realized.  However, the system’s projected energy generation of 52,100 kilowatt hours a year will offer substantial savings for years to come. An interconnection agreement for net-metering with Duke Energy provides for the most cost-effective system configuration. In total, 140 Hanwaha Q-cells 275 watt panels, make up the photovoltaic array. To increase efficiency, SolarEdge’s DC Optimization technology was integrated, including two SE14.4KUS 208V inverters, per-module Optimizers, and monitoring package. The web-based portal provides enhanced PV performance monitoring and yield assurance through immediate fault detection and alerts at module, string and system levels. A ballasted flat roof mounting system, Polar Bear® III manufactured by PanelClaw, was chosen for its roof protection, accelerated construction and product lifetime reliability.

With years of clean energy production and associated savings from this custom-designed system ahead, the work that IAM is doing in the community will be even stronger. Last year alone the organization provided enough food for more than 131,000 meals and assisted nearly 7,000 individuals and heads of families, but they are poised to do even more now that they are settled in their new home.

We are pleased to feature IAM in our Community Connections Spotlight in our November Newsletter. Read more there or visit their website.