Solar helps feed Cape Cod   The Family Pantry of Cape Cod saves substantially on their electric bills by using the power produced right on their roof. The system was funded and owned by a group of local investors who purchase the equipment and provide the power to the Family Pantry. Designed and installed by the Brewster-based solar company, My Generation Energy, the system has already proven itself capable of zeroing electric bills at the main offices and distribution center. It has even produced enough clean energy to send excess credit to the Second Glance thrift shop, also operated by the Family Pantry.   A ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday, August 22nd.   U. S. Congressman William Keating,  his wife Tevis, and his staff members Stefanie Coxe and Lance Lambros,  Unutility Electric MMXI  Investors, the pantry Board of Directors, President of My Generation Energy Luke Hinkle, and pantry volunteers celebrated the innovative use of solar power to help feed those in need.  U.S. Congressman William R. Keating spoke about his belief in solar power and he applauded the investors who worked with My Generation Energy to help support The Family Pantry of Cape Cod in such a creative way.     From left: Richard Waystack, president of the Board of Directors of The Family Pantry of Cape Cod, Executive Director Mary Anderson, Congressman William Keating, and Luke Hinkle, President of My Generation Energy.   The Family Pantry of Cape Cod warehouse, which serves as a major hub for the distribution of food to needy families all over Cape Cod is now adorned with 364 solar panels. Since the panels are normally out of view atop the high, nearly flat roof, a lift was available and several participants got a firsthand look at the stunning array.   Click here to see more photos.   About The Family Pantry of Cape Cod - The Family Pantry of Cape Cod is the largest pantry on Cape Cod serving anyone who is in need without restrictions, geographic or otherwise.  They currently serve just under 1100 households (over 2,000 people) each month, which is a 60% increase over the past 5 years.  The heart of pantry is the 300+ dedicated volunteers who make it possible for the pantry to successfully fulfill its mission of providing food and clothing to those in need. The Family Pantry of Cape Cod is a member agency of The Greater Boston Food Bank and serves a leadership role by having The Greater Boston Food Bank use space in the pantry warehouse 5 days a month to bring 2-3 tractor trailer loads of food to the Cape so that all Cape Cod agencies can pick their food up in Harwich, saving them the time and expense of traveling to Boston. Quote from U.S. Congressman William R. Keating ”The Family Pantry is a perfect example of how converting to renewable energy sources saves money and creates jobs.  This emerging industry is training technicians and putting people back to work, while the organizations reduce their carbon footprint and are able to put the saved money into valuable programs.  I commend the Family Pantry for making this important change that is not only good for the people it serves but also our environment.”      Quote from Mary Anderson – Executive Director, The Family Pantry of Cape Cod: “It has been our pleasure to work with My Generation Energy who installed a solar system on our warehouse roof at no cost to the pantry! This was done via a 3rd party agreement with investors who receive the tax credits and we then buy our power from them at a substantial savings. The excess power is used to credit the electric needs at our thrift shop. In all, this is a great savings for the Pantry. The system was activated in late March and we have saved a significant amount on our electric costs at the Pantry as well as applied $660 in credits to our thrift shop’s electric bill and this is only the beginning! We look forward to more savings as the year progresses.” About My Generation Energy – My Generation Energy is a Cape Cod based solar installation company that has been expanding rapidly since Luke Hinkle started the company in 2009.  In 2012, My Generation Energy became the largest solar installer in Barnstable County with a broad appeal to both residential and commercial customers.  My Generation Energy is also known for creating the Nation’s first Community Solar Garden® project, an innovative and responsible way to make solar more accessible.  Quote from Luke Hinkle, President, My Generation Energy, Inc.: “The Family Pantry of Cape Cod demonstrates and represents the best of human nature—a willingness to help our neighbors in times of need. The adoption of solar energy extends their mission to making Cape Cod a more sustainable and independent community. My Generation Energy is proud to be assisting the Family Pantry in this effort. We thank of the Town of Harwich through their Select Board and Administration for their willing support of this project. We also thank the members of Unutility Electric MMXI who have chosen to invest in the local economy to help make this exciting project a reality.   Mary Anderson The Family Pantry of Cape Cod 133 Queen Anne Road Harwich, MA 02645 508-432-6519 x5 fax 508-432-7083 www.thefamilypantry.com  

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