Volt Energy brings Solar to D.C. African American Church

It was a sight to see. 

Recently, a group of clergy, business and community leaders gathered on a church rooftop covered by solar panels — located in the heart of Washington DC — to celebrate history in the making. 

The occasion: Florida Avenue Baptist Church (FABC) — with the help of Volt Energy — will become the first African American church in the nation’s capital to utilize solar energy.  Green For All was proud to join representatives of FABC, Volt Energy and the American Association of Blacks in Energy to host the celebration of this important milestone. 

The project began in January, when the church entered into a landmark agreement with Volt Energy and LeDroit Park Energy, LLC to build a 10 KW system on their roof.  FABC will purchase the solar electricity generated at a lower cost than what it is currently paying for electricity.

Reflecting on the effort, Gilbert G. Campbell III, co-owner of Volt Energy said, “Volt Energy is proud to play a part in this historic project. This church is a pillar in the D.C. community and this project will not only reduce their energy costs but also serve as an educational model for church members and the surrounding community as they strive to learn more about the benefits of alternative energy.”

Volt Energy is a part of the Capital Access Program’s Accenture Mentorship initiative. Chosen for their unique ability to grow and scale, the company works with Senior Executive Jeffrey T. Miers, a leader in Accenture’s Energy practice. Jeffrey’s focus is on helping his clients develop and execute business strategies through delivery of new or re-engineered business processes and systems.

Green for All’s Business Mentorship for Green Entrepreneurs helps entrepreneurs scale their businesses and create green jobs. Selected businesses meet for two hours each month with Accenture Business Mentors, all of whom are executives with extensive business experience, to address challenges in core business competencies.

 “Volt Energy is appreciative of the support provided by Green For All, through the Capital Access Program and beyond,” said Campbell.

Volt Energy and Florida Avenue Baptist Church are planning an official ribbon cutting ceremony, which will be held in the next 3-4 weeks.