Dorcas Creates Energy & Cash with Rooftop Solar Farm

Staff reports.

Cary, NC – Dorcas Ministries in Cary has a new solar rooftop. It generates energy, cash and claims to be the largest solar farm in Wake County.

Found Money

Large buildings are typically an energy drain – dark roofs require lots of energy to cool building interiors, and the size often contributes to water run-off issues.

By utilizing this often overlooked space to house solar panels, Argand Energy and Yes! Solar Solutions of Cary have unlocked a source of renewable energy for Dorcas Ministries. Located on otherwise cost-consuming space, the farm generates an income for Dorcas.

Leasing Payments Provide Revenue Stream

Argand Energy owns and operates the 237 kilowatt solar array and pay Dorcas Ministries lease payments for using rooftop space. By leasing their roof, Dorcas Ministries has created a much needed revenue stream that will help fund their mission of providing crisis support for the people they serve throughout the community.

Argand’s Director of Sales, Rob Lease commented, “Argand, in partnership with Yes! Solar, is proud to be part of furthering Dorcas Ministries outreach programs by providing a valuable revenue stream and an educational opportunity while leveraging solar energy to build a sustainable community.”

More Self-Reliant

Howard Manning, Executive Director of Dorcas Ministries spoke about the benefits of the partnership for the Cary community. “Our partnership with Yes! Solar Solutions and Argrand Energy Solutions is another excellent example of how all of us (for profit and non profit businesses) can collaborate to make our community the best place to live, work, and play.”

“Since our relocation to Cary Plaza,” Manning continued, “one of our priorities has been to help our clients break the cycle of financial crises by becoming more self reliant. The income we receive from leasing our otherwise unusable roof space benefits Dorcas’s mission to create a circle of sustainability by providing the tools to help others become sustainable.”

Competing Companies, Working Together

Yes! Solar Solutions, located in Cary, installs photovoltilic solar panel systems, specializing in small business, homes, and non-profits. President Stew Miller remarked, “Our business plan includes developing opportunities for non-profits to spread sustainability among all facets of the community.”

“The Dorcas Ministries renewable energy installation is another good example of how it can be done, and an even better example of competing companies working together locally to accomplish a common goal.”

18¢ 15¢ a Kilowatt

Argand Energy Solutions,based in Charlotte, designs systems throughout the Carolinas. They worked on this project in partnership with Yes! who did the installation. Power is sold to Progress Energy for ~~18 cents~~ 15 cents per kilowatt hour (see comments). Last year Argand completed a similar project on the roof of the Service Thread distribution facility in Laurinburg.

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Community News on CaryCitizen is sponsored in part by Garden Supply Company on Old Apex Road in Cary.