Solar manufacturer Longi is donating solar modules to the Footprint Project, a Minneapolis, Minnesota-based non-profit organization focused on providing cleaner energy to communities in crisis.
According to Longi, the move is part of its efforts to accelerate the clean energy transition and combat climate change. The partnership will see the company donate nearly 1,000 high-efficiency solar modules of different sizes to the Footprint Project, amounting to over 16 kW of capacity.
The donated modules will be utilized to expand the non-profit’s fleet of mobile solar generators. Meanwhile, a portion of the modules will be used for training and education through the Footprint Project’s solar workforce development program, in partnership with Groundwork New Orleans and Solar Alternatives.
“As climate change makes hurricanes, wildfires, and other extreme weather events more frequent and more intense, communities all over the world are at risk of power outages that last days or even weeks,” said Footprint Project Program Director Jamie Swezey. “This game-changing donation from Longi empowers us to deliver vital electricity access to communities in need, while also leveraging what our community partners are doing across the country to expand access to renewable energy for all.”
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Since 2018, the Footprint Project has delivered more than 200 kW of solar power and 600 kWh of battery storage through mobile electricity units. These units have been deployed in more than 20 disaster response and recovery missions, offering clean and reliable electricity for cell phone charging, refrigeration, water filtration, and other essential services during prolonged grid outages.
With its efforts spanning locations such as New Orleans and Puerto Rico, the Footprint Project has provided emergency clean power access to over 28,000 individuals. By replacing conventional diesel generators commonly used in disaster relief operations, the organization helps communities prioritize environmentally friendly solutions as they rebuild in the aftermath of crises.
During last week's Microgrid 2023 Conference in Anaheim, presented by EnergyTech and Microgrid Knowledge parent Endeavor Business Media, the Footprint Project built a solar-based microgrid and then donated it to the Ventura Disaster Recovery group based in southern California (pictured).
