BELFAST — Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County (HFHWC) has completed installation of a new rooftop solar array at its recently opened ReStore, which will offset 100 percent of the facility’s electricity use, marking a major step toward cutting operating costs and expanding affordable housing efforts across Waldo County, according to Everybody Solar, in a news release. The 18.92-kilowatt system, installed in partnership with nonprofit solar provider Everybody Solar, is expected to go live in the coming days.​

Once operational, the solar array is projected to significantly reduce electricity expenses at the ReStore, enabling HFHWC to direct more resources toward building and repairing homes for low-income families. According to Everybody Solar, the system is also expected to avoid approximately 20,597 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year, while ensuring that every dollar saved on energy can be reinvested directly into local housing and repair work.

“When a nonprofit like Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County saves on energy, that savings shows up where it matters — in safer homes, stronger repairs, and greater accessibility for people in the community,” said Myriam Scally, executive director of Everybody Solar. “By offsetting 100 percent of the ReStore’s electricity use, this project helps free up resources for everything from building homes to installing wheelchair ramps for neighbors who need them.”

Located in Belfast, the HFHWC ReStore sells low-cost building materials, furnishings and household goods to the public, keeping usable items out of local landfills while generating revenue to support Habitat’s housing programs.

"The addition of solar energy deepens this mission by shrinking the store’s carbon footprint and modeling practical, cost-saving sustainability measures for residents and businesses in Waldo County and the greater MidCoast region," said the news release.

“The completion of this solar installation at our ReStore is a game-changer for our long-term sustainability and our ability to serve more families in Waldo County,” said Jill Riley, ReStore manager at Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County. “Lower utility costs mean we can reinvest more directly into building homes, completing critical repairs, and helping people remain safely and independently in their homes.”

HFHWC aims to grow from early-stage operations to a point where it can complete multiple housing projects annually, expand its repair program for low-income homeowners, and ensure long-term organizational stability.

About Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County

Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income individuals and families build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. By partnering with residents whose income falls between 30 percent and 80 percent of the county’s median income, HFHWC makes homeownership possible for households that might otherwise be unable to afford it.

About Everybody Solar

Everybody Solar works to protect the environment and strengthen U.S. communities through solar energy projects. By providing solar power to local charities, Everybody Solar helps local charities reduce electricity costs and direct their limited resources to the communities in which they serve. Its vision is to create healthy and sustainable communities. We want current and future generations to have equal access to essential social services while living on a thriving and sustainable planet.