ATLANTA—Siemens today announced a $100,000 partnership with Habitat for Humanity to build the organization’s first solar home in Georgia. Volunteers will work side-by-side with future homeowner Melonie Lingo and her teenage children, Luke and Madie, starting at the first-nail ceremony on January 21, 2012.
Vast expertise in both electrical and solar systems uniquely positions Siemens to assist Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia (HFH-NCG) with solar panel technology and infrastructure that will reduce the Lingo family’s future electric costs. Located at Union Hill in Cumming, the home will receive a Siemens Microinverter System that will convert the sun’s power into safe, affordable electric power.
“Our Microinverter System will create enough energy to offset most, if not all, of the family’s lifetime of electric utility bills,” says Barry Contrael, director, Siemens Low Voltage business unit. “This technology will potentially save the family hundreds of dollars per year.”
HFH-NCG’s integration of Siemens’ technology is a vital component of Habitat’s mission to provide ongoing affordable housing and sustainable building practices for deserving families in the north Georgia area. Siemens will provide employee volunteer labor for the 2012 solar home, along with full sponsorship of the build and the solar panel technology.
“The Union Hill address is appropriate because it symbolizes the union and partnership between the Lingos, Siemens, all the volunteers and HFH-NCG,” says Russ Hayes, CEO, Habitat for Humanity, North Central Georgia. “We believe this home will be a shining example of Siemens’ technology and dedication to the community and the HFH mission.”
The house is scheduled to be completed and dedicated to the Lingo family on April 21, 2012.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia is a non-profit, Christian housing ministry that builds simple, decent homes for purchase by low income families who demonstrate a capacity for responsible homeownership. Since its inception in 1995, 222 homes have been completed and over 850 family members have been served in North Fulton, Cherokee and Forsyth/Dawson counties. Each family is required to attend 10 educational classes and perform 300 sweat equity hours. Families earn between 25% and 60% of the Atlanta area median income and purchase their homes from Habitat which provides them with a 30-year, no-interest loan. Family members work side by side with the volunteers, sponsors, and Habitat staff to build their homes. These families not only get to experience the pride of homeownership but they also know that their lives will be changed forever. For more information on Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia, please visit www.habitat-ncg.org.
About Siemens
Siemens Industry Sector is the world’s leading supplier of innovative and environmentally friendly products, solutions and services for industrial customers. With end-to-end automation technology and industrial software, solid vertical-market expertise, and technology-based services, the sector enhances its customers’ productivity, efficiency and flexibility. With a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees, the Industry Sector comprises the Industry Automation, Drive Technologies and Customer Services Divisions as well as the Metals Technologies Business Unit. For more information, visit http://www.usa.siemens.com/industry.