The Arizona Agribusiness & Equine Center High School in Mesa received a free solar system from the SRP Solar for Nonprofits program.

It was awarded to AAEC as part of SRP’s previous call for applications for its Solar for Nonprofits program in which three nonprofits were awarded systems by SRP that were recently installed or are soon to be installed, according to a release.

“Not only are we thrilled to have shade over our parking lot, the faculty at our Mesa campus now has an exciting ongoing opportunity to educate students about renewable energy by pointing to the brand-new solar system right outside our front office,” said Christi Cravens, principal at the school, 1440 S. Longmore in Mesa.

“We have many students at AAEC interested in pursuing sustainability-related college degrees and career paths, which is a big reason why we submitted for the solar system through the Solar for Nonprofits program,” said Eric Stevens, principal for AAEC’s online program.

The solar system is on top of a newly constructed parking structure that was also provided by the SRP Solar for Nonprofit program. The system provides 31.2 kilowatts of solar power to the school, producing approximately 51,090 kWh annually to help offset the school’s energy costs and cut down the organization’s carbon emissions.

“Having this solar structure on-site at our Mesa school powering a portion of this facility’s operations demonstrates to students firsthand how solar energy can offset carbon emissions and energy costs,” said Suzanne Drakes, assistant superintendent at AAEC. “We are excited to see what cost savings AAEC will experience in our first energy bill after the first month of having the system live.”

The Solar for Nonprofits program is funded by SRP and its customers who contribute as little as $3 a month to the program. Since 2007, the program has awarded 52 solar systems to Valley-based nonprofit organizations which SRP works to install. Collectively, the program has helped nonprofits save nearly $1 million while providing renewable, emission-free energy for their buildings.

“Facilitating this program gives SRP great pride and especially when we know recipient organizations show these solar systems to their communities,” said Kathleen Munroe, SRP manager of distributed energy programs. “The systems allow nonprofits to direct more resources to those they serve, and they also create more awareness around renewable energy and carbon reduction, which helps us reach objectives to build a more sustainable future.”

SRP is accepting applications from local nonprofits through July 18 interested in receiving a free solar system. To qualify, nonprofit applicants must be designated 501(c)3 organizations, have their headquarters based within SRP’s electric service territory and have a parking structure or a parking lot to which SRP can add a donated structure. Go to srpnet.com/solarnonprofit-application.

For customers interested in donating to this program to help additional nonprofits receive solar installations, they can learn more on the SRP website at srpnet.com/solar-for-nonprofits.

For information on the Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center go to aaechs.com.