The Barnhill family have been residents of San Diego for over 50 years. Originally from North Carolina, Ralph and Katie Barnhill have always been committed to their community as well as the environment, eventually moving to the Broadway Heights neighborhood. Mr. Barnhill served in the Air Force and as an Aerospace Engineer for General Dynamics. <\/p>\n
When Mr. Barnhill passed away a few years ago, the Barnhill\u2019s daughter, Carla moved in with her mother to help her out. She noticed immediately her mother\u2019s utility bills were enormous, even though Mrs. Barnhill was receiving a medical baseline allowance. But with a 30 year old air conditioning unit and being charged 55 cents per kilowatt after the baseline adjustment, the average Barnhill utility bill was still $600 per month! Unfortunately, unpredictable and high utility bills are a reality for many low-income families. Carla turned to GRID Alternatives, an organization that she knew her father had held in high regard.<\/p>\n
The Barnhill installation provided an inspiring glimpse of how supportive the Broadway Heights community is when it comes to solar. The Community Council Chair, Robert Robinson, and his wife Barbara were on hand for the event. \u201cThis is the 104th install in Broadway Heights,\u201d Mr. Robinson said, pointing out several of the Barnhill\u2019s neighbors who were also GRID clients. <\/p>\n
Mr. Robinson and Mr. Barnhill played key roles in bringing awareness to the importance of solar, not only to Broadway Heights, but also to the entire state of California. And the California State Assembly continues to take notice with Chevelle Tate in attendance at the Barnhill installation, representing Senator Toni Atkins and the 39th District. Ms. Tate presented certificates to thank GRID Alternatives and the trainees working to install solar on the Barnhill’s house.<\/p>\n
Andre, the Barnhill\u2019s grandson, shares his family\u2019s enthusiasm about the environment. \u201cI\u2019ve always been a fan of renewable energy since I was little. Why not?\u201d\u201d said Andre. He recounted when awareness of global warming began to gain momentum in the 90s. \u201cI always knew I wanted to do something that would contribute to keeping our earth healthy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Andre took a path similar to his grandfather by majoring in Astrophysics at UC Santa Cruz. He has gone on to work in sales engineering for electrical vehicle charging systems as well as interning on a project monitoring C02 admissions. For Andre, his family\u2019s interaction with GRID and solar installation is just an overall step in the right direction.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s nice to see the impact GRID is having on the community,\u201d Andre\u2019s mother, Carla, chimed. \u201cMoving towards solar is revolutionary for the US and the world.\u201d Carla is also excited about future regulations that will require solar on new buildings and the boom of car manufacturers moving towards electrical cars. She envisions a world of solar powered homes with electrical car stations. Panel by panel, GRID is moving towards making her dreams a reality!<\/p>\n