What started as an energy audit in 2023 came full circle on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, when New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry, Energize Delaware, and members of the New Castle County Police Department officially celebrated the completion of a transformative energy project at the Garfield Police Athletic League (PAL) building. With the ribbon cut, the community marked more than a ceremony, but a major step toward a cleaner, more efficient future.

In 2023 the PAL partnered with us through our Energy Assessment for Non-Profits Program, which provides no-cost energy audits to nonprofit organizations in collaboration with the University of Delaware’s Industrial Assessment Center. These assessments are led by master’s-level students and their professor—delivering real savings for nonprofits while creating hands-on workforce development opportunities. On average, participating organizations uncover 20–25% potential reductions in energy use.

The first audit took place at PAL’s Hockessin facility, where the results were immediate and impressive. The report identified 15 recommendations that could cut energy usage by 277,415 kWh — a 51.7% reduction and save an estimated $28,246 annually.

When the energy audit expanded to the Garfield PAL building, the potential nearly doubled the impact. The assessment revealed 10 targeted upgrades with the power to reduce energy use by 320,508 kWh—an incredible 70.6% reduction, resulting in $42,924 in annual savings.

Key recommendations included:

• Upgrading outdated lighting to high-efficiency LED fixtures

• Reprogramming air handling units to operate only during occupied hours (saving an estimated 165,887 kWh)

• Installing a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) to optimize motor performance

With savings potential large enough to offset an entire building’s energy use, the conversation naturally grew bigger to include solar panels.

Through our Solar for Non-Profits Program, that vision became reality with the installation of a 41.76 kW rooftop solar array at the Garfield PAL building. This system will generate approximately 52,200 kWh annually, offsetting 19% of the building’s total energy load.

That clean energy impact is equal to:

• Powering 62 homes for one month

• Charging 2.8 million smartphones

• Driving more than 80,000 miles in a gas-powered vehicle

When paired with the full scale of the recommended energy efficiency upgrades, the total impact becomes extraordinary:

• More than 580,000 miles driven

• The yearly emissions of 53 gas-powered vehicles

• The monthly electricity use of 443 homes

Together, energy efficiency and solar could offset up to 89% of the building’s total energy use, a powerful reminder that the cleanest, most affordable energy is the energy we don’t have to use in the first place. 

With committed partners including the Garfield Police Athletic League, New Castle County, Preferred Electric, and Howard, this project delivers more than cost savings. It strengthens the building, supports the students who learn and play inside it, and protects the environment they will inherit.

Lieutenant Angie Dolan also presented our Executive Director Drew Slater with a plaque of appreciation and completion that will be displayed in the building. How fun!

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You can see us featured in WDEL’s article here.