Green Mountain Energy and nonprofit Habitat for Humanity of Collin County (HFHCC), officially completed its first two solar-powered homes in McKinney as part of HFHCC’s latest development project, The Cotton Groves.
Cotton Groves is a housing development project that was designed to address the need for affordable housing in McKinney, Texas. The project combines traditional construction methods with repurposed shipping containers to construct more energy-efficient, sustainable homes for Texans.
As part of the project, a number of developments will utilize rooftop solar paneling, which will help 14 families save around $17,500 in combined yearly energy costs, according to a release.
Funding for the rooftop arrays were made possible through a $210,000 grant by Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, a charitable program of the energy company that focuses on advancing more sustainable communities.
“Sun Club is honored to be part of this innovative project that will help low-income families become homeowners,” said Mark Parsons, Green Mountain Energy vice president. “We are thrilled to be able to help these families save money while safeguarding the environment for future generations. This grant will ensure that the new homeowners have a head start on an environmentally conscious lifestyle.”
Since it was established back in 2002, the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club donated more than $13 million to 156 nonprofit organizations across Texas and the Northeast.
According to Green Mountian Energy, the program provides support to programs that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation, education and awareness, clean transportation and sustainable agriculture.
“We are so excited to do our very first solar neighborhood with the help of Sun Club,” said Celeste Cox, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity of Collin County. “The savings for our homeowners will make a real difference in the lives of these first-time homeowners. Our first families will be moving into their homes soon, and they are truly blessed to be a part of a sustainable community.”
