by Brianna Crandall — April 11, 2012—Numerous public and private organizations may be impacted by a philanthropic renewable energy initiative recently announced by Trina Solar Limited, a vertically integrated manufacturer of solar photovoltaic products, and actor, race car driver, and advocate Patrick Dempsey (as part of Dempsey Racing).
The initiative aims to bring affordable clean energy to communities around the United States. This will involve donating solar modules to local schools, health clinics, and nongovernmental organizations as well as building the infrastructure to sustain the investment, including a network of supportive local partners, local installers, and system component providers.
The initiative will also include an educational campaign to increase awareness about the reliability, cost-saving features, and positive environmental impact of solar power. The project builds off Mr. Dempsey’s 2011 video, “Plug Me In, Light Me Up,” which showcased how solar can help the environment and improve lives. This year, Mr. Dempsey will continue to raise awareness through live appearances, social and digital media, and other communications tools.
Driven by a mission to actively promote the benefits of solar power, Trina Solar will work with Mr. Dempsey to create lasting benefits for the local communities.
In 2011, Trina Solar worked in communities across the United States and around the globe to provide solar modules to help organizations help others. In the United States, the company partnered with the Dempsey Racing team to provide a solar panel system to North Carolina’s “Victory Junction,” an organization that provides a summer camp experience to children with chronic illnesses. Additionally, the company outfitted several Habitat for Humanity homes in Texas. Globally, Trina Solar worked with Innovation Africa to install solar power at the Visezi Medical Clinic in Tanzania, and with several organizations to provide modules for various rebuilding efforts in Haiti, which were recently recognized.
Trina Solar says its commitment to the environment and to corporate social responsibility practices is further demonstrated throughout its sustainable manufacturing processes and carbon reduction programs. The company’s manufacturing processes are ISO certified under International Organization for Standardization standards, have been recognized as an industry model, and have resulted in a nearly 60 percent reduction in energy and water usage per unit of solar power produced.
