FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2022
Contact: Kim Knowles, kknowles@prairierivers.org, (217) 344-2371 #209
Illinois Solar for All Project Installed on Habitat for Humanity Home in Champaign
Champaign – On May 5, 2022, the Barmaki Family became the first Habitat for Humanity homeowner to receive a solar system through Illinois Solar For All. Illinois Solar for All was created in the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) and was recently expanded by the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The program brings solar to income-qualified households and the nonprofits and public agencies that serve them with guaranteed customer savings and robust consumer protections.
Kim Knowles, Energy Specialist with Prairie Rivers Network, was instrumental in the first Habitat for Humanity homeowner install. “I look forward to seeing hundreds of solar installs on Habitat for Humanity homes! The Illinois Solar for All program provides wonderful benefits to customers and has significant unused potential that is waiting to be tapped.”
Seeing the potential for financial and environmental benefits, the Barmakis, a family of seven living in Champaign, Illinois, knew right away they wanted to go solar through the Illinois Solar for All program. “I recommend this program to all Habitat homeowners and others as well. I’m excited to see the savings on our electric bills, especially with summer coming,” said Jaouad Barmaki.
Video and photos from the installation are available for use here.
At Prairie Rivers Network (PRN), we protect water, heal land, and inspire change. Using the creative power of science, law, and collective action, we protect and restore our rivers, return healthy soils and diverse wildlife to our lands, and transform how we care for the earth and for each other. PRN is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.
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