Episode 5 Gallup Solar
Christine Reidhead is with Bill Bright discussing Gallup Solar Nonprofit Organization.
gallupsolar.org is a 501c3. Bill loves those things and always volunteers for those when he see great things! It was started about 8-10 years ago. Bill was blessed and honored to be with the beginning group of women who formed it.
They challenged Gallup to put in solar for McKinley County. But it wasn’t the right time, but now after all these years it might happen.
Gallup is one of three cities in New Mexico that own their own utilities. We pressured them a bit to allow people to use solar.
Last year of 30% off your taxes if you do solar.
15,000 homes on the Navajo Nation will never get powered in Bill’s lifetime.
Holding classes, then installing systems into homes for the elderly, or those on medications. After the class people will know how to install them and fix it.
Grants are funding the classes.
Gallup Solar does not advertise, but get a lot of people coming to their meetings on Wednesday once a week.
It’s a hand up not a hand out. Have to have some sweat equity if you want the equipment. They have to meet us halfway.
Bill shared the biggest challenge is to get access to these small solar systems because they are all being sent to Africa. It’s a good starter kit for those wanting to get started. The whole market is going to millions of people in Africa without power so we are competing with them. We also have a need here at the Navajo Nation who is also a third world country.
Bill’s most proud of working with the Navajo people. The barriers between white and Native American people are broken at these meetings. A Navajo elder opens up the meeting. There is a bridge there of culture and races. It’s wonderful.
Everyone knows somebody that doesn’t have power. We want referrals like that so we can reach those people.
Cornerstone out of Santa Fe likes what we’re doing and the last two classes they have funded Gallup Solar.
For more information visit: gallupsolar.org
