Solar Power With a Purpose: APsystems Supports Ronald McDonald House of Southern Colorado
Solar energy can do more than run a building. It can help power a community.
That idea is at the heart of a new solar installation at the Ronald McDonald House of Southern Colorado, completed in June 2026 after more than two years of planning and collaboration.
Planning for the project began in November 2023, with production and installation work moving forward in 2026. Valued at approximately $300,000, the completed system includes 196 solar panels, two inverters and 108 rapid shutdown devices.
The project is expected to reduce the Ronald McDonald House’s electricity costs by nearly two-thirds. For an organization focused on serving families with children receiving medical care, those savings can help free up more resources for the people who rely on its services.
What also makes the project stand out is the way it came together. Every component and service involved in the installation was donated, with companies and individuals contributing equipment, labor, materials, funding and other support.
APsystems Supports a Safer Solar Installation
APsystems contributed 108 rapid shutdown devices for the project.
Rapid shutdown technology is an important part of solar system safety, helping reduce voltage within an array when a system needs to be shut down. For this installation, APsystems’ contribution helped support a safe and reliable system while also making it possible for more of the project’s overall value to be directed toward the Ronald McDonald House.
The opportunity to contribute was especially meaningful because the benefits of the project extend beyond energy production. Lower utility costs mean the Ronald McDonald House can direct more of its budget toward its mission and the families it serves.
A Project Built Through Collaboration
A project of this size required support across nearly every part of the installation process. Here is that team and what they contributed:
Matt Essig – solar panels
IE construction – labor, permits, design, engineering and materials
Greentech renewables – building materials
Goodwe – inverters
Unirac – racking
Taylor fencing – site fencing
JMS Electric – electricians for wiring
Energy Unleashed – electricians for wiring
Trafton roofing – roofing support
HBS trash – dumpsters
Warehouse options – storage container for materials
COSSA – project advocation
El Pomar Foundation – Grant
Lyda Hill Foundation – Grant
Together, these contributions helped move the project from planning in 2023 to a completed solar installation in June 2026.
Reducing Costs So More Can Go Toward Families
The biggest impact of the project will be seen over time.
With the new solar system expected to reduce electricity costs by nearly two-thirds, the Ronald McDonald House of Southern Colorado will have the opportunity to redirect more of those savings toward its work supporting families.
That was one of the goals of the project from the beginning: reduce a significant operating expense while creating a system that can continue delivering value for years to come.
The project also shows what can happen when different parts of the solar industry work together. Equipment manufacturers, contractors, electricians, suppliers, foundations and local organizations each contributed something different, but every contribution helped move the same project forward.
APsystems is honored to be one of the many organizations that helped make the installation possible and to support the Ronald McDonald House of Southern Colorado as it continues serving families throughout the region.
Solar can do more than run a building. It can help power a community.
MORE LINKS:
Kenny Kingery interview: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BUmZSqjPb/
Press conference: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EaVJ3tu5U/
