SHERMAN LAKE YMCA SOLAR PROJECT

As part of our ongoing mission to be sustainable and to reduce our carbon footprint, the Sherman Lake YMCA has partnered with Helios Solar, LLC to install a solar array on the roof of the Austenfeld Recreation Center. The solar panels are in the process of being installed and the project should be complete by the end of September.

The 150kW solar array will produce approximately 175,000 kWh of power annually, covering 10% of our annual electricity use, and substantially reducing our utility expenses. This reduction in expense will allow the Y to fund additional programs and services that will benefit the community.

Responsibility is one of the four core values of the Y. The solar project is not only environmentally friendly but also an essential element of keeping the Y sustainable both now and in the future.

Under the 25-year agreement between Helios Solar, LLC and Sherman Lake YMCA, Helios will maintain ownership of the panels while the YMCA pays the company a regular fee which is significantly less than the energy savings it will incur. Sherman Lake has the option to purchase the panels outright after a period of 5 years.

In addition to this project, the Sherman Lake YMCA is also exploring other renewable energy initiatives, including the use of LED lighting throughout the entire facility.

Projected Savings of the Solar Project:

Annually -
CO2: 375,206 lbs
NOx: 499.9 lbs
SO2: 1,656 lbs
Nuclear Waste: 1.21 lbs