Partnerships in Action: Net-Zero Science Classroom Advances to Phase II

The advancement of renewable energy innovation is in the hands of 6^th grade students. And rightly so.  This past year, science teacher John Woods and his students at North Fork Middle School in Quicksburg, Virginia, have been implementing real-world energy solutions to develop a Net-Zero Science Classroom.  With financial support from the Moore Educational Trust and partnerships with SUNRNR and other local businesses and community-based organizations, the full vision of a Net-Zero Science Center is shining bright.

Phase I

The Net-Zero Science Center has a two phase implementation plan.  Phase I includes a Mini Instructional Alternative Energy System with the purpose of providing students a compact instructional off-grid ground-level system that can be explored and deployed each academic year.   A SUNRNR 110, ground mounted solar panels, and a ground deployed wind turbine were chosen to serve as the instructional components for investigating hands-on, real-life alternative energy applications.

Phase II

The second phase to reach Net-Zero includes the design and implementation of a Grid-Tie Alternative Energy System that will power the entire classroom via solar and wind.  The project recently received a boost with the donation of a 45-panel 3kW solar array.  The panels came from a decommissioned remote communications installation, and once the array is installed it is expected to fully power all the classroom’s lighting, computers, and devices. With this crucial donation, the project now enters Phase II and is seeking partnerships to accomplish the technical and design elements necessary for a fully operational Alternative Energy System and instructional space.

Innovation Begins with Questions

“What would it take to….?”  These young energy scientists at North Fork Middle School have embraced the challenge to reduce their school’s dependence on the conventional energy grid.  And by immersing themselves in problem-solving and building a network of advisors, this 6^th Grade classroom is fast becoming a model for engaging in alternative energy solutions.

Small Company Strives to Lessen Negative Impacts of Disasters

SUNRNR of Virginia Inc. Touts Benefits of Innovative Technology and Education

During disasters and emergencies, whether natural or man-made, standard sources of electrical power (utility grid and fossil fuel supplies) are often lost or cut off, but critically needed for relief such as communications, power tools, water pumping and health clinic operations.

Technological innovations within the power supply field can lessen the negative impacts of power outages or fuel shortages, but only if the associated outreach is present for public awareness and understanding of the products and their usefulness during times of distress.

Why Preparedness Education is Important

SUNRNR (“Sun Runner”) of Virginia, Inc. manufactures a product useful before (mitigation), during (response) and after (recovery) such emergency-related lack of electrical power.  Our marketing and advertising inherently requires public education and the promotion of preparedness. Then, after purchasing, SunRunR system owners, both personal and commercial, are inherently better protected from the after-effects of a disaster and can also participate in the response and recovery.

How New Technology Can Lessen Emergency Impacts

The three-person team behind SUNRNR of Virginia Inc., Alan Mattichak, Jenny French and Scott French. Photo courtesy Mark Rhodes and Virginia Business magazine.

SunRunR units deliver high-output, high-capacity, stored renewable and/or grid power for use any time or any place electricity is required.  System features include plug-and-play simplicity; no noise, fossil fuels, or emissions; safe, rugged, long-life design; high-quality components; easy expandability; and superior company reputation in customer service and satisfaction.  Water-pumps, small construction sites, agribusiness, off-grid locations, disaster relief, alternative to gas generator disadvantages (fuel storage, spark, heat, maintenance), and blackout backup are examples of our proven market applications.

Renewable. Each SunRunR patented portable solar generator storage system combines a main unit for energy storage and output with a renewable energy source for energy generation. The included solar panels are the most commonly used generation source, but the unit may also be recharged by wind or water turbine, the grid, a gas generator, or even a bicycle. The SunRunR main unit consists of a steel chassis enclosing a rechargeable battery, a DC-to-AC inverter, a charge controller with display, a master disconnect on/off switch, an auxiliary power socket, accessible fuses, and quick-connect input/output and system expansion portals. It is the inverter’s voltage output, or lack thereof, that defines the SunRunR model – SUN110, SUN220, SUN240, SUNPWR.

Safe and clean. Emergency applications directly apply to one of our four markets and indirectly to the other three.  The Emergency Preparedness market can be small- or large-scale with small tending toward personal and community preparedness such as the residential or business consumer that simply wants electricity for short or intermittent power outages.  With consumption awareness and budgeting, units may be used sustainably and therefore, for longer-duration outages.  It is here where our product is potentially doing the most to reduce deaths from misuse of portable gas generators, whether by carbon monoxide poisoning or associated combustible fuel dangers.  Another aspect of our products’ benefits is exemplified by Hurricane Sandy’s situation where many had portable gas generators and fuel was available, but it was inaccessible since there was no power to pump it out of tanks.

Portable and flexible. Large-scale usage would be in terms of humanitarian aid – relief, response and recovery.  SunRunRs offer the best balance of generation, storage, and output specifications in the solar generator arena while maintaining portability.  Some of our videos and many of the testimonials of results and impacts below demonstrate a unit’s capabilities with respect to powering high-load equipment that might be needed for aid efforts.  Early on in the company’s life, we were invited to Ashbury International to give a presentation to a large group of emergency responders, managers and Red Cross, introducing SunRunRs as a sustainable option for in the field.  

PA Dealer, Alternative Energy, Inc, has Contractors use SUNRNR for Deck Restoration

Indirectly, the other three market sectors, Recreation, Commercial and Eco-conscious, have the advantage of inadvertently having an emergency power supply if needed when not being used for their originally-intended purpose. 

Making Preparedness a Priority

SUNRNR of Virginia, Inc. has been a proud National Preparedness Month Coalition member for many years and we promote NPM and America’s PrepareAthon, using the toolkits provided, at least twice a year through social media, our blog, newsletters, and press releases such as the examples included in the supplemental attachments.  We also exhibit where possible, including various “prepper”, hurricane week and home shows, thereby reaching more of the public with the message of preparedness and self-reliance.

Measuring the Results of Better Preparedness—The Human Element

Besides advocating preparedness, the efforts above have also increased SUNRNR’s visibility, leading to an invitation to an exportingroundtable at the White House and to being selected to participate in a trade mission focused on solutions for West Africa’s energy and water problems as described here. 

With the very limited resources of our small, young company, it has been a struggle to introduce a new product concept.  Even so, now over 400 people are better prepared in terms of backup emergency power and many more have been exposed to the idea.  With an increase in exposure and video materials, sales could grow to several hundred this year alone.

The impacts of our outreach and sales are best seen by way of the example testimonials below, including one from post-derecho Virginia.  System applications have included powering a health clinic in post-hurricane Bahamas and end-user sales in post-earthquake Japan.

Photo credit: Tribune242.com

A local high school sixth grade science teacher worked diligently to receive a grant for a SunRunR system.  The students will monitor the solar generator as part of their curriculum on renewable energy. “The SunRunR will be the alternative energy system that the students come to understand, put their hands on, set up, orient towards the sun, plug devices into, use to monitor and manage electrical production and demand, et al, all the while learning what alternative energy is, what it can do, and that it is the new normal,” says John Woods of North Fork Middle School.

“It is so reassuring knowing that as long as the sun shines, come hurricanes or grid outages, I will still be able to have power for the most important things.” – Wanda, customer of Alternative Energy, Inc, PA

“The SunRunR ran my fridge while the power was out, after the recent storms. Saved my bacon. I had recharged the scooter the afternoon of the storm and that almost completely drains the SunRunR. It was a challenge squeaking through until the power came back, but it worked. I certainly had everyone else beat. A fan and a fridge was a LOT during those few days." – Walter B, Roanoke, VA

“We CANNOT TELL YOU how pleased we are with solar rather than the gas generator!!!” – John and Michelle Z, NV

“Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy and am impressed with my New SUN110 … it’s power—for both continuous and surge demands, is most impressive.  I’ve had it running my computer, washing machine, and refrigerator all at the same time.  It did 4 loads of wash in one day and ran the refrigerator continuously for almost 20 hours on the same charge before shutting itself down.” – Gary B, FL

“We just got our power back on yesterday after nearly 5 days without. The SunRunR I purchased from you last year worked like a charm, keeping our freezer cold and running the well pump for water when we needed it.” – Bill G, Charlottesville, VA  (7/2012)

SUNRNR of Virginia, Inc is very proud of our product, mission and customer service reputation.  We will tell potential customers “no” before we will sell them a system that may not meet their expectations.  We know their investment in a SunRunR is an investment in themselves – a definite win-win situation.  As an added bonus, SUNRNR will create jobs and increase Virginia exports while customers are implicitly learning about electrical consumption.

NOTE: The above narrative was SUNRNR’s winning entry in the 2016 FEMA Individual & Community Preparedness Awards.

50 More Ways to Save Energy - Guest Blog Post by Uma Campbell, Writer

By now, you’ve probably heard the phrase “going green” being tossed around by family members, friends and politicians, but you may not be sure how you can start living a greener lifestyle. One of the best and easiest ways to go green is to cut back on your home’s energy use, but why should you feel motivated to become more energy efficient?

For starters, being mindful of how much energy you use at home can help you lower your gas, water and electric bills. How? It’s simple: the less energy you use, the less your electric, water or gas company will charge you for their services. Therefore, every energy efficient upgrade or home improvement project you tackle will help put money back in your pocket.

But besides the financial benefits, an energy efficient home can also help the environment. The less energy you use at home, the less of a demand there is for energy sources such as oil, natural gas and coal. The drop in demand prevents these resources from quickly depleting from our planet. When you’re energy efficient at home, you are also doing your part to reduce the carbon emissions released into the atmosphere by power plants, cars, and the handling of waste.


You may think making changes around the home to be more energy efficient is a hassle, but the truth is, you’ll be more comfortable after the improvements are complete. For example, a programmable thermostat that allows you to preset temperatures will help keep your home at a comfortable temperature at all times without wasting energy. It only takes a few minutes to install, but you can enjoy the benefits of it every minute you’re inside your home.

Ready to be more energy efficient but not sure where to start? Luckily, there are dozens of changes you can make—both big and small—to help you cut back on your home’s energy usage. Here are 50 ways you can save energy around your home:

Two Great Resources for Choosing Green Travel Options for You & Your Business

For the Conservation-Conscious Traveler

So you’ve bought the hybrid car, completed an energy audit on your home, invested in some level of renewable energy to power your home, and researched energy-conscious companies to support. What are other choices can you make to live more sustainably?

Making sure you are choosing green and eco-conscious travel options is another way to ramp up your sustainability quotient.  Whether you are making domestic or international travel plans, the growth of a number of green and ecotourism associations can help you locate green lodging, restaurants, resorts and more.

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is a non-profit association committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that benefit conservation and communities. With a global network that spans more than 190 countries, TIES is leading the way to make travel and tourism more sustainable. TIES offers a fully searchable database of environmentally-conscious businesses that can help travelers find destinations that fit their conservation and sustainability ideals.

Virginia’s Green Travel Alliance encourages green practices in the state’s tourism industry. ​ More than 1600 tourism businesses and organizations have self-certified their environmental commitments with the Virginia Green program, making it the #1 state-based green tourism program in the United States. 

For Businesses Looking for More Green Choices

Joining organizations like TIES and VGTA not only provide tourism-related businesses with increased visibility, but offer access to cutting-edge conservation and sustainability innovation and training for best practices.  

VGTA and TIES offer a number of business-enhancing opportunities. Some specific programs include:

Industry-Specific Best Practices Resources. Organizations like VGTA and TIES help your business incorporate best practices specific to the tourism industry via workshops, conferences and regular updates on projects, industry events, publications, speaking engagements and networking tools.

Access to data, reports and annual awards can also help businesses measure the benefits of incorporating more green practices and promote that aspect of their company to a wider audience. With hotels alone spending an estimated $7.5 billion on energy per year in 2012, having accurate data on what the introduction of wind turbines, solar panels and/or a myriad of other energy efficient technologies can do to reduce a company’s operating expenses, as well as knowing that such investments can be used as a highly-desirable marketing asset are invaluable resources for many tourism businesses.

Education & Engagement. Educating and engaging the general public towards making environmentally sound consumer choices is also a huge part of the VGTA and TIES missions. Showcasing green products and services at expos around the world like this recent event in Washington, DC is just one way that these type organizations are supporting and promoting green businesses.

The Virginia Green Travel Alliance adds an additional “lead by example” aspect to their educational efforts by recruiting, training and deploying “green team” volunteers at festivals and sporting events around the state to effectively bring recycling, waste reduction, and composting of food wastes to an increasing number of activities each year. This not only makes for greener events, but it emphasizes the importance of choosing green options for travel and entertainment activities.

Act as a Clearinghouse & Green Network. One of the main focuses of Virginia’s Green Travel Alliance is support and promotion of innovative practices and projects through unique partnerships. The Virginia Green Supplier Network is a great example of this business benefit, which provides Virginia Green participants access to a database of green products and services. TIES offers a similar member-only network that promotes information, products and services exchange between members.

Choosing green options for running your business or for vacation planning is easier than ever, thanks to the ongoing growth of organizations like the Virginia Green Travel Alliance and The International Ecotourism Society. Consumers and businesses alike can reap the benefits of better energy and conservation practices through education, promotion and networking via collaborative efforts like these, and know they are doing right by our communities and our planet!

---

Are you a destination business looking for ways to decrease your energy impact but are not quite ready for a major installation? Contact Sunrunr today for some effective entry-level options for your tourism business. www.sunrnr.com jennyf@sunrnr.com

Renewable Energy Education: The Best Energy Investment Yet

Renewable energy topics are trending in classrooms around the world, but especially in the U.S. given the current push to bring students real-world and hands-on training and experiences in rapidly expanding clean energy industries. As energy workforce needs are expected to blossom in coming years, how are schools encouraging and equipping students for the brave new world of energy?  By integrating STEM disciplines - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - primary and secondary schools are providing their students the foundation needed to pursue careers in these growing and highly paid occupations, but many schools are also introducing project-based opportunities to pique and sustain student interest.

Often the best educational projects start with a real-world challenge and offer benefits that stretch beyond the classroom. This was exactly the case at North Fork Middle School in Quicksburg, VA earlier this year. When Superintendent Jeremy Raley issued the energy challenge, “What would it take to have a net-zero science lab at North Fork Middle School?,” sixth grade science teacher John Woods and his students stepped up to take on the task.

Once the initial research was done, the findings presented, and recommendations proposed for the design and construction of a classroom with zero reliance on the existing electric grid, the middle school team went to work putting their ideas into action. Solutions ranged from wind turbines to passive solar collectors to an energy efficiency plan—concepts all developed by the students themselves. With financial support from the Moore Educational Trust, the North Fork Middle School students have transitioned to real-life problem solving and are putting applications of alternative energy to work in their own school environment. 

Clean Energy Leaders of the Future

With middle and secondary schools laying a solid foundation, higher education takes the task of developing clean energy leaders of the future to another level by sponsoring challenges like Michigan State University’s 2015 Energy Innovation Awardand Student Solar Design Competition. Students from across the state of Michigan were invited to design cost-effective, energy-efficient and design-centric solar installations that could be integrated into a campus landscape. Top submissions combined art and science, and included a multi-colored solar street lamp, a solar gem biodome, a solar kiosk, and a window solar charger. The competition not only promoted interdisciplinary collaboration, but also connected students with industry experts, creating valuable experience and networking.  

Dr. Richard Lunt from MSU conducts a final judging round.

Photo credit: MSU Be Spartan Green Facebook page

The Untapped Potential of Solar Schools

In addition to the educational benefits of projects like those showcased here, school districts are increasingly recognizing the concrete and immediate value of their schools going solar as well. According to an article from the Clean Energy Collective, a nationwide study reports solar installations among U.S. schools have grown 110% year-over-year from 2008 to 2012, with thousands cutting their utility bills and using the savings to pay for teacher salaries and textbooks.

“Solar is enabling many Massachusetts schools to save money, enrich learning and keep teachers in the classroom – all while providing local jobs and generating emissions-free electricity,” said Andrea Luecke, President and Executive Director of The Solar Foundation.

At Drury High School in North Adams, Massachusetts for example, the school’s solar installation offset almost 140,000 of CO2 emissions in the first two years alone and saved the school enough money from reduced electricity costs to maintain all of its teachers and academic programs. The Solar Foundation has determined that there are 72,000 schools in the country that could go solar in a cost-efficient manner and therefore similarly benefit.

Challenges and competitions in the examples of North Fork Middle School and Michigan State University show that supporting projects within the educational system may be the most important investment in clean energy we can ever make. By putting the problems of building and integrating real-world energy solutions directly in the hands of students of all ages, we are not only stimulating valuable learning and shaping the career choices of the students involved, we are also contributing to the advancement of renewable energy innovation and facilitating clean energy transitions in the educational institutions themselves. What better way to bring a sustainable energy future into being that with our youth?

Solar as Economic Stimulus: Building a Green Workforce

The clean energy industry became a focal point of economic development initiatives during 2015, and the trend towards investing resources in building a green workforce to support renewable energy product development, manufacturing, and system installation gathered steam as statistics and funding rolled out throughout the year. With renewable energy installations accounting for 70 percent of new electrical power in the first half of 2015, and the Energy Department announcing an allocation of $12 million in May 2015 to create a “diverse, well-trained solar support workforce, including professionals in the insurance, real estate and utility industries,” the push to enhance solar capacity in the US doesn’t look to slow down in 2016.

Photo Credit:  Dennis Schroeder/National Renewable Energy Laboratory

As the search for more electrical power options increases, so will the economic impact on regions that provide incentives for renewable energy companies to set up operations. For several communities confronted with the loss of large employers, the erosion of a manufacturing base, and high unemployment, the surge in demand for a green workforce has led to several initiatives that target specific workforce populations. Here are just a few examples of the innovative partnerships and programs happening all over the country:

Sacramento’s Green Capital Alliance: Diversifying Economy Through Workforce Collaboration

Following the steep decline of government and construction industry jobs in the Sacramento region, Los Rios Community College District and a broad group of leaders in education, business, community development, infrastructure, technology and labor created the Green Capital Alliance to improve the health and sustainability of the region’s economy. The colleges work closely with the Green Capital Alliance to ensure that the programs and the curricula offered meet the needs of the region and the needs of businesses.

Community College of Philadelphia: Creating a Job-Ready Workforce

In another example of academic-business partnership in action, the Community College of Philadelphia has created “pathways to rapid employment by recruiting, training and placing qualified veterans, unemployed workers, ex-offenders and local residents in entry-level jobs in the green manufacturing, and construction and weatherization industries.” Students become highly-trained, credentialed professionals who are then assisted with job placement by both industry partners and the college.

“Employers save a lot of time and money by not having to advertise and screen applicants, plus they know what they are getting,” says Project Director Wendy Ardagna. “Philadelphians get employed and companies avoid high turnover costs. We are fighting poverty and all its social and physical consequences to program participants, while doing rapid response training and placement, while also making everything as green as possible!”

Photo Credit Matt Paolelli

Solar Instructor Training Network: Nationwide Access to Professional Development

Created by The U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative and comprised of nine training hubs and over 400 community colleges around the country, the Solar Instructor Training Network provides future solar workers access to high-quality, local training in solar system design, installation, sales, and inspection. At the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, one of the nine training hubs, participants can gain professional development through the Renewable Energy Technologies Diploma Series or Certificate in Renewable Energy Management.

Solar Ready Vets:  Training Military Personnel for Solar Careers

A joint effort between the Department of Energy and Department of Defense, the Solar Ready Vets program trains active military personnel who will be leaving military service and becoming a veteran, and it prepares them to be strong candidates for positions in the solar industry.

Photo Credit:  U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Matthew R. Cole/Released

When communities support partnerships and workforce training programs like those above, they gain access to a rapidly growing industry that offers an expanding source of employment and a stronger, more diversified economy.

3 Small Personal Changes, Immediate Positive Impact on EPA's 30% Carbon Pollution Reduction by 2030 Proposal

photo credit: epa.gov

Whether talking about food, water, electricity, consumer goods, or anything else, it is never a bad idea to understand where things come from, why they cost what they do, their availability, their unintended consequences, and their future impacts.  Americans, for the most part, have been blessed with exceptional access to these and other "commodities", even sometimes taking them for granted or becoming disgruntled if temporarily unavailable. Gratefully, public awareness of these concepts of cause-and-effect, need-or-want, and "what-if?" and the related reasons for making these choices seems to be on the rise.

Examples (and possible motivators):
- concerted efforts to buy locally-grown food (mistreatment of animals, growth hormones, local economy, reduced transportation),
- choosing American-made over price (quality differences, anti-overseas sweatshops, support US manufacturing),
- recycling (awareness of waste, pollution, consumption),
- increased self-reliance, self-responsibility (numerous reasons!)

These choices and changes usually take thought and effort.  Once I decided to stop supporting the use of plastic grocery bags, aka "New Jersey tumbleweeds" (petroleum-product, landfill burden, animal hazard), until it became habit I can't tell you how many times I'd get just inside the grocery store before realizing I had to go back to my car for my reusable bags.  If each of us could change a few tiny things like this ... even just three in the next month, we'd cumulatively make great changes.  And each future change becomes easier.  We make these changes for our own personal beliefs or reasons, but the results can have global ramifications.

It would be great if our utility companies would support us all with the next small change.  If they would give each household a P3 Kill-A-Watt-EZ Energy Usage Meter (or offer at reduced rate), American families could have fun with increasing their knowledge of energy in general and consumption/conservation in particular.  Such a neat little inexpensive device with so much potential impact - see what it takes to make a pot of coffee, how big an inverter is needed to run your microwave, how much stored power your fridge would require during power outage, or how you could do laundry purely by solar.

Let's apply the source/cost awareness above to energy and the EPA's proposed ruling last month seeking a 30% reduction in carbon-dioxide emissions by 2030 from existing power plants based on emission levels from 2005.  Yes, 30% is a large number, possibly inflated to leave room for compromise, but no matter where you stand on global warming, you most likely agree that pollution in any form and consumption of finite resources is not a good thing for mankind.  If we could each cut our electricity consumption by 5-10% through decreased consumption, increased efficiency, usage awareness, or conservation, we would be handing these power plants a 5-10% head-start or more on this requirement.

One place to learn about other easy changes you can make to make a difference is at energy.gov's energysaver website.  Another way, and with immediate impact, is to consider supplemental renewables like portable solar generators.  PSGs come in various sizes, but any comparable to SUNRNR specifications can sustainably provide at least 5% of an average American home's energy usage (given some sun and/or wind:)  They have the added benefit of being available for power outages or for use at non-grid locations.  PSG uses are similar to those of gas generators.  Both provide power independent of the grid, which is beneficial to this power plant proposal, but one still pollutes, robbing Peter to pay Paul using lumps of coal.  And no one in their right mind would want to run a gas generator continuously and sustainably like they could a PSG, to do their part toward requiring less electricity from power plants.

SUNRNR "Spring into Preparedness" Sweepstakes Winners Revealed

Sherry T. of Colorado shows off her prize pack

Winners in a recent sweepstakes sponsored by SUNRNR of Virginia, Inc., a Harrisonburg, Virginia-based solar generator manufacturer were announced just in time to help with preparation for the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Aimed at raising public awareness about the many ways solar can facilitate improved preparedness and sustainability, entries were accomplished by answering three quizzes of increasing difficulty and covering topics ranging from the impact of power outages to energy storage to what kinds of machinery/devices portable solar can accommodate. The three winners, from Florida, Colorado, and North Carolina, received prize packs that included an energy monitor and emergency supply kit.

"Every item is very thoughtfully included to help my family be prepared for the unexpected," said Sherry T. upon receiving her package. " I plan on carrying it on the back of our ATV when we go into the High Rockies this Summer."

She added, "I want to say "Thank You"  also for the energy usage monitor and LED lights. My Husband and I will use these to better understand and improve on our energy usage."  

“Making sure individual citizens are educated and prepared to respond appropriately to emergencies and natural disasters is critically important to the overall ability of communities to react and recover with less stress and loss of life. The sweepstakes served a dual purpose of raising awareness and assisting three people/families in being ready,” said SUNRNR principal Jenny French.

Joe D. of North Carolina checking out the emergency kit

The promotion was part of SUNRNR’s ongoing commitment to educate consumers about energy issues, consumption and conservation as well as championing the relationship of renewables to preparedness and sustainability. To date, the combined potential power produced by SUNRNR units sold is equivalent to 100,000 gallons of fossil fuel consumed by comparable gas generators – a potential carbon footprint reduction of 900 tons of CO2 from emissions and another 250-ton reduction from non-grid-generated power.

With applications worldwide, SUNRNR is exploring export, particularly to developing countries and at deep discounts in support of relief efforts during catastrophic disasters. International sales of SUNRNR products were the focus of a recent James Madison University capstone project. SUNRNR was also nominated last month for the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council's Center for Innovative Technology Application Award.

More information about SUNRNR can be found at www.sunrnr.com or by contacting Jenny French at jennyf@sunrnr.com, or Scott French at scottf@sunrnr.com, 540.271.3403.

Fun Facts About Solar Energy

Happy Easter, everyone! We hope you are hunting for eggs and having a huge, delicious dinner. We don’t have much time to talk today, but we wanted to share this fun infographic for anyone who is thinking about solar energy. We love infographics – they are a quick and interesting way to scan for information and get the facts. Check it out, and let us know what you think!