Moving Forward Together
Sunwealth excitedly welcomes the newest addition to the team, Jalil-Shai Blayton, born April 3rd.
Living and working through the COVID-19 pandemic is new territory for all of us. At Sunwealth, our top priority remains safeguarding the health and well-being of our team, our partners and our communities. Together, we are working hard to ensure we weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side of it. Here’s a quick update on how we’re making that happen:
WE’RE DELIVERING TARGETED RETURNS AND COMPLETED PROJECTS
Last month, Jules and Charley from our Asset Management team distributed Q1 investor payments; with these payments, we have now delivered 21 consecutive quarters of targeted returns to our investors
Processing interest payments from home is just one of the “feats of strength” we celebrate these days. Last week, our Project Development team and partners at CT Green Bank and Greenskies Renewable Energy delivered another: obtaining Permission to Operate (PTO) for new solar installations at two YMCA of Greater Hartford locations. These projects will provide clean power and energy savings to the YMCA sites, allowing them to focus their resources on serving the Greater Hartford community.
CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES, WITH ADAPTATIONS TO SAFEGUARD WORKERS AND COMMUNITIES
Some states and municipalities have shut down all construction activities. Solar construction continues in many markets, especially when it can be done with physical distancing and other best practices. New construction protocols are emerging around how to protect the health and safety of workers and communities during the pandemic. For example, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts recent issued mandatory construction procedures, including a safety plan that adheres to social distancing rules, providing hand wash stations, wellness checks, and posting clear signage that highlights COVID-19 symptoms. We are working closely with our partners to ensure strict adherence to procedures – and to make it possible for crews to continue to work and get back to work when and where it is safe to do so.
OUR PARTNERS PROVIDE VITAL SUPPORT – AND INSPIRATION
We get daily inspiration from our power purchasers and investors, who are finding new ways to support and strengthen our communities. The Greater Hartford YMCA, mentioned above, is providing emergency childcare for essential workers. Sterling House Community Center in Stratford, CT continues to operate their food pantry and provide food deliveries to homebound seniors and people with physical limitations. They are also offering free breakfast and lunch pick-up for Stratford students while schools are closed. For volunteers looking to help, they are hosting remote “Service Saturdays,” where they provide service project ideas that families can do from their homes.
Boston Impact Initiative, one of our investors, has reached out to the businesses and organizations in their portfolio to determine how best to support those that need it most during the pandemic. BII decided to waive its quarterly investor payment from Sunwealth, a contribution we are using to directly offset monthly energy bills of nonprofit organizations in our portfolio who are providing critical assistance to their communities during these difficult times.
Panels on Sterling House Community Center.
OUR TEAM IS GROWING, IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE
Sunwealth is committed to delivering social, environmental and financial returns to our partners, investors, and communities. We are hiring for new roles in investor development, asset management, accounting and project development. Do you know someone looking to build a more inclusive clean energy economy? Have them send their resume and cover letter to hello@sunwealth.com.
And that’s not the only way we’re growing:
Last week, our CFO Omar Blayton and his wife Lauren welcomed their son Jalil-Shai into the world. His birth brought a whole new kind of sunshine to Sunwealth, and not to mention a moment of crazy joy to Friday’s virtual team meeting. True to his name, Jalil-Shai is a “magnificent gift” to all of us.
We are grateful to count you as part of Sunwealth’s community.