Sam Zuckerman (on left), owner of Maine Solar Solutions with Gaberiel, Alicia and Derek Harmon along with Amy Nucci, executive director of Habitat for Humanity. (Emily Ferrick, The Climate Initiative)

Introduced by George Harvey

In the pages of Green Energy Times, we have mentioned before that Sam Zuckerman and his company, Maine Solar Solutions, are always up to something interesting. An article of October, 2021, “So, What’s Up at Maine Solar Solutions This Summer?” begins by saying precisely that. It goes on to describe the success of a large solar installation at Replenova Farm, which is certified organic by the Maine Organic Farms and Gardens Association.

Looking back on that article, one thing is striking. Replenova Farm is not just saving money with solar power, and it is not just looking to be able to tell customers it is doing something to save the planet. It says, “The farm also donates vegetables to the Good Shepherd Food Bank.”

It is, perhaps, indicative of the quality of those who work to transform the world to renewable energy and away from polluting energy sources. Many people in the green movement are interested in giving others a helping hand.

Here, we have another example of that, a little news item that arrived from Kennebunkport, ME explaining more about the exciting work Sam Zuckerman is doing. It is not an impressively large installation, but we might expect that it will make an impressive difference in the lives of people in one family in particular:

Cape Porpoise home with solar panels is the first done for Habitat of York County

Maine Solar Solutions has partnered with Habitat for Humanity York County to provide solar panels for a home in Cape Porpoise, a community within Kennebunkport. The new house was outfitted with more than a dozen solar panels. The panels and installation were donated by Maine Solar Solutions of Freeport.

“We are celebrating ten years at Maine Solar Solutions, and we wanted to give back to the community in a big way,” said Maine Solar Solutions owner Sam Zuckerman. “This partnership will allow us to not only give back, but also to make a long-term difference with energy savings, energy independence, and clean energy. We are proud of this partnership, and look forward to more installations with Habitat for Humanity throughout our service area.”

This first collaboration with Habitat for Humanity was done in part to celebrate Maine Solar Solutions’ tenth anniversary. While residential solar projects vary in cost, the full donation is valued at more than $10,000. The success of this project is leading both organizations to discuss potential future projects and collaborations.

“The home owners, Derek and Alicia, couldn’t be happier with the overall project, including the ability to have lower utility rates, and cleaner energy,” said Amy Nucci, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity York County. “Our mission is to help provide decent, affordable homes to those who might need a little extra assistance making it happen. These are not handouts; they are a hand up in an increasingly inaccessible homeownership market. Ultimately, we believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live. We are very thankful for the partnership with Maine Solar Solutions and are thrilled with the results on the first home.”

According to Habitat for Humanity, Derek has worked in the Kennebunkport area for more than 15 years after 3 tours in the Middle East. Derek and Alicia’s oldest son requires living space-based health considerations, which have not been easy to find with move-in ready conditions in the community. Being selected by Habitat for Humanity for the Cape Porpoise home has enabled the family to relocate to the area in which Derek works, and start establishing the community their family has been missing.

For information about Habitat for Humanity of York County, visit www.habitatyorkcounty.org.

For more information about Maine Solar Solutions, visit www.MaineSolarSolutions.com.