A Bright Future: Women’s Bean Project Routes Savings from Solar

Namaste Solar, a Colorado-based employee-owned cooperative, has partnered with Women’s Bean Project to install a 102-kW rooftop solar system and one electric vehicle charging station at the nonprofit’s headquarters located at 1300 W. Alameda Ave. in Denver. This installation is designed to offset 120% of the Women’s Bean Project’s electrical usage, significantly reducing operating expenses and enabling the organization to further invest in its mission of supporting women’s empowerment through employment.

The solar project is fully funded by the City of Denver’s Renewables and Resiliency Grant, demonstrating the city’s commitment to supporting renewable energy initiatives among nonprofits. Over the 25-year+ lifespan of the system, the Women’s Bean Project is projected to save $300,775 in operating expenses. Additionally, participation in Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards program is expected to generate $99,228 in income over the next 20 years, further enhancing the financial benefits of the installation.

These combined savings will directly support Women’s Bean Project’s programs, which provide job training and employment to women facing significant barriers to work. The organization offers comprehensive programs that equip women with job and life skills, helping break the cycle of poverty to build brighter futures. It is estimated that these savings will fund over 15,000 hours of program services.

“As a Certified B Corporation and mission-driven cooperative, building stronger, more resilient communities is baked into our DNA,” said Rachel Mountain, co-owner and director of commercial sales at Namaste Solar. “Collaborating with Women’s Bean Project is a perfect alignment of our shared commitment to making a difference locally through renewable energy and empowerment initiatives. By reducing energy costs through solar, nonprofits can allocate more resources toward their core missions, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the community.”

Nonprofit organizations have various financial mechanisms to access solar energy, thereby reducing operating costs and protecting against rising energy expenses. These opportunities include Elective Pay through the Inflation Reduction Act, financing that enables organizations to embrace renewable energy without the burden of capital investment, and funding such as the City of Denver’s Renewables and Resiliency grant program.

“This collaboration with Namaste Solar and the support from the City of Denver exemplify how renewable energy can empower nonprofits like ours,” said Tamra Ryan, CEO of Women’s Bean Project. “The savings from this solar installation will allow us to serve more women in our community and serve them better.”

For details on Namaste Solar’s services and commitment to empowering communities through renewable energy, visit namastesolar.com.