Barbara Nyaliemaa Mosima is scheduled to receive a free solar installation through Solar for All (SfA), a Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) program. After going through the process with the DCSEU’s Solar Team, Barbara sat down with us to share her excitement.
Q. How did you hear about the Solar for All program?
A. Well I actually heard about the program through Shelley Cohen when another DCSEU program, Affordable Solar, did not go through. She told me about SfA and then the next thing you know, I was qualified for solar!
Q. What were your initial thoughts about the program?
A. I’ve seen solar on homes in the neighborhood but I just never thought that I could receive solar based on my circumstances. When I qualified I was like, “My goodness this is really happening!” I’m really excited to see how this is going to save money.
Q. Why do you think the SfA program is so important?
A. When you first hear of solar programs you think, “It’s out of my financial reach.” So the fact that it isn’t and its available to me now is great. I feel like by having solar I’m really doing something that helps the environment.
Q. What was it like working with Shelley Cohen, the DCSEU’s Solar Director?
A. After a while, Shelley feels like a sister. She embraces you and every element of the process. She’s with you from start to finish. She talks through the paperwork with you and follows up too. She was very committed to finding another source for me to receive solar. She’s kind of like the guardian angel of solar panels.
Q. Do you have any plans for the extra money you’ll save with the lowered cost of utility bills?
A. Well, its certainly offsetting the cost of one utility that will help me manage another one. I might even be able to start investing in buying more products that are better for the environment.