The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta Announces the First Installation of Solar Panels on its Campus, in Partnership with Solarize Atlanta and Hannah Solar

The MJCCA Continues to Support Environmental Sustainability Efforts Agency Wide, in Cooperation with the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

(ATLANTA, GA – November 26, 2018) – The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) has announced that it will embark on its first installation of solar panels, in cooperation with Solarize Atlanta and its partner Hannah Solar. This effort is made possible by the MJCCA’s continued relationship with the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and its ongoing support of the MJCCA’s green initiatives. For information, call Lora Sommer, MJCCA Public Relations Manager at 678.812.4078.

“The solar panels will be installed on the roof of the MJCCA’s Besser Gymnastics Pavilion,” explained MJCCA CEO Jared Powers. “We are grateful to the Community Foundation, which facilitated an anonymous $50,000 donation, allowing us to embark on this first installation of solar panels. We will begin the installations in 2019 and complete them within the year. We look forward to expanding this solar initiative and identifying additional high-impact opportunities for reducing operating costs and environmental impact.” 

As the MJCCA continues to “green” its buildings, site, and operations at the MJCCA’s Zaban Park campus (5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody), Hannah Solar, through Solarize Atlanta, will begin the process of installing the solar panels at the MJCCA. The MJCCA then looks forward to implementing recommendations made by Solarize Atlanta to support and maintain Environmental Sustainability.

Solarize Atlanta is a community-based solar energy group purchasing campaign that makes solar more affordable and accessible for the residents of Atlanta. The Solarize Atlanta program assists with the technical aspects of choosing solar panels and getting them installed.

“We are pleased to have signed the contract this morning, highlighting the MJCCA’s solar opportunity,” said Trey Gibbs with Hannah Solar. “The system that we will install at the MJCCA’s Besser Gymnastics Pavilion allows the building to use energy from the sun first, before pulling in any additional grid energy to power the building. There is no battery storage. The energy gets generated and consumed immediately afterward in real time.”

“The annual solar production will be approximately 30% of the building’s consumption,” continued Gibbs. “Three out of every 10 days are powered by the sun. The MJCCA should see a 30% reduction in its power bill or $6,900 in savings annually.”

“In addition to the MJCCA’s new solar installations, the agency will continue to assess its facilities to identify and implement energy, water, and resource-efficient upgrades and adopt additional best management practices for sustainability,” said Powers. “The MJCCA is committed to transforming how the agency operates, establishing the MJCCA as a strong environmental steward and leader in the community. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Community Foundation and becoming even more of an environmentally responsible agency.”

About the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA)

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) is committed to strengthening the quality of life in Atlanta and is recognized as one of the most highly-regarded Jewish community centers in the nation. Our NAEYC-accredited preschools, award-winning camps, outstanding cultural events, and invigorating sports and fitness programs engage and connect the community. Impacting more than 60,000 people annually, the MJCCA is welcoming to people of all faiths, ages, and backgrounds.         

About the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

Since 1951, the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta has been connecting the passions of philanthropists with the purposes of nonprofits doing that work. With 67 years serving the 23-county Atlanta region and a robust team of experts, the Community Foundation manages the behind-the-scenes details, empowering our donors to focus on the joy of giving. The Community Foundation is a top-20 community foundation nationally with approximately $1.1 billion in current assets and is Georgia’s second largest foundation. Through its quality services and innovative leadership on community issues, the Foundation received more than $144 million from donors in 2017 and distributed more than $100 million that same year to support nonprofits throughout the region and beyond. In 2018 Charity Navigator named the Community Foundation a four-star rated nonprofit, its top distinction. For more information, visit: cfgreateratlanta.org or connect with the Foundation via Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

More Information

For information about the MJCCA’s new solar panel installation, contact Lora Sommer at 678.812.4078.

Please visit us on the web at atlantajcc.org.

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