Non-profit Black Rock Solar builds 3 MW of clean energy

Just in time for Independence Day, Reno-based non-profit Black Rock Solar has reached the milestone of building 3 megawatts of solar power capacity across the state of Nevada. That’s 3 megawatts of clean, renewable energy fostering freedom from fossil fuels and building a self-reliant nation independent of environmentally hazardous power-production methods.

"I congratulate Black Rock Solar in Reno on their milestone of reaching a production of three megawatts of energy production,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. “Nevada has the capability to be a national leader in clean energy and Black Rock Solar is certainly taking advantage of our state’s potential. I look forward to many more of their projects in the future.”

The 61 clean energy projects built by Black Rock Solar since its 2007 founding include arrays for schools, non-profits, and Native American tribes. These arrays are built at little or no cost to the recipients, but now provide nearly $547,000 of combined savings annually on the organizations’ energy bills.

“I am proud of how far we have come and how much we have learned,” said Construction Manager David Lasky, who has been with Black Rock Solar from its start. “We have exceeded my expectations. I hope that we have had a greater impact than just the solar arrays we have built; I hope that we help inspire change.”

The impact is in the numbers: The 15,000 solar panels installed in the last six years are abating 2,735 tons of atmospheric CO2 annually. That is equal to 456 cars removed from roads or 912 houses taken off the grid.

The latest 49.4-kilowatt solar project, completed in May at Western Nevada College in Carson City, will provide electricity to the school for decades to come. With four arrays, Western Nevada College’s total solar production is now an impressive 402 kilowatts. The four arrays combined are expected to produce more than $50,000 in savings each year for the college. Western Nevada College is one of the biggest consumers of renewable, environmentally friendly solar power in the Nevada System of Higher Education.

“Black Rock Solar has demonstrated time and again that the organization is a pivotal partner in fostering the development of solar energy use in Nevada,” said Daniel Neverett, Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services at Western Nevada College. “WNC is proud that the college's Automotive Technology Center array was the project that pushed Black Rock Solar over the 3 megawatt mark.”

Other Black Rock Solar school projects include Lovelock Elementary, Rainshadow Community Charter High School, University of Nevada, Reno, College of Southern Nevada, Natchez Elementary School, Bishop Manogue Catholic High School, Truckee Meadows Community College, and Nevada State College.

Pyramid Lake High School in Nixon has been the recipient of four clean energy systems, enough to offset nearly 100 percent of campus electricity consumption. In total, Black Rock Solar-built arrays provide over half a megawatt of clean energy for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.

Additionally, Black Rock Solar has installed solar arrays at many Nevada non-profits such as Northern Nevada Food Bank, The Children’s Cabinet, Nevada Discovery Museum, Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, and Pioneer Center.

“This array not only saves funds that can be placed directly back into our programs but the renewable energy savings and the benefit to our environment is a win for the Children’s Cabinet and our community,” said Jeff Andrews, Finance Manager for The Children’s Cabinet. “Thank you to Black Rock Solar and crew for your dedication in reducing or eliminating our agency’s electrical bill and also for helping to preserve our limited renewable resources.”

NV Energy SolarGenerations incentives have helped fund many of Black Rock Solar’s projects. More than 36 megawatts of photovoltaic has been installed under the NV Energy program since 2004.

“We continue to be pleased with the rapid growth of customer-installed renewables in our state,” said John Hargrove, Renewables Manager for NV Energy. “Black Rock’s three megawatts will help build on the state’s ranking of fifth best in the nation.”

Black Rock Solar’s current projects include a 101 kW array for Lake Mead Christian Academy in Henderson, a 148 kW array for Truckee Meadows Community College and a 28 kW array for Carson City shelter Friends in Service Helping.

About Black Rock Solar

Black Rock Solar is a Reno-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization focused on speeding the adoption of clean energy through installation, energy efficiency, education, and job training. By installing solar at low or no cost for schools, tribes, rural communities, and other non-profits, Black Rock Solar puts much needed funds into the hands of those who need it most.