Solar Installation at Ronald McDonald House of San Diego

Ronald McDonald House to get a solar energy boost in San Diego

Ronald McDonald House of San Diego will be helping more than just the families of critically ill children – it will be lowering its carbon footprint with a new 116 kW rooftop solar installation.

The new photovoltaic solar electric system will generate power to offset energy requirements of the Ronald McDonald House, which serves more than 20,000 families each year through its 47-bedroom house/Family Care Center.  The facilities offer overnight accommodations to families with a child receiving treatment in San Diego hospitals.

During the announcement this week, the general manager of Canadian Solar, Inc., Mike Miskovsky, commented:

“The Ronald McDonald House ensures families in San Diego receive the necessities they need as they care for their sick child, and we are so pleased to be able to provide our high-quality modules to this pivotal community facility.  Through its leadership in California implementing a renewable energy solution, the Ronald McDonald House of San Diego will reap significant financial savings while contributing to environmental sustainability for years to come.”

Ronald McDonald House of San Diego

With the new rooftop solar panels, Ronald McDonald House of San Diego will be able to save over 150,000 pounds of CO2 each year, which is the equivalent of planting 554 new trees.  The installation will include 518 PV panels, which will generate 147,846 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually.  Canadian Solar, HelioPower and PV Powered donated price reductions to benefit the charity.

Its the first Ronald McDonald House in California to go solar.  Bill Lennartz, president and CEO of the Ronald McDonald House of San Diego commented:

“Ronald McDonald House decided to pursue solar energy to create a healthy and sustainable environment for the children and families we serve, and to help greatly offset power costs.  Our partners have been vital to our success as a resource to families in some of the most challenging times of their lives, and we are excited to now be producing clean solar energy to help us provide care to even more families.”

Installing solar panels on its rooftop is the latest step taken by Ronald McDonald House of San Diego to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Tags: PV solar panels, ronald mcdonald house, rooftop solar panels, san diego, solar electric system, solar installation