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Adopt-A-Watt Lights Up Efficient Fixtures, EV Charging In Dearborn

December 19, 2011 3:01 PM

The Royal Oak-based National Adopt-A-Watt program celebrated another success Monday as the city of Dearborn threw the switch on privately sponsored energy-efficient lighting and an electric vehicle charging station in a municipal garage.

Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly threw the ceremonial switch at the garage just south of Michigan Avenue near Military Street on the city’s west side.

A couple of dozen Adopt-A-Watt sponsors paid for the induction lighting fixtures, which cost about $500 each, vs. $200 for a mercury vapor lamp — but which use 60 percent less electricity than mercury vapor and last six times as long. Sponsors get a small plaque next to the lighting fixtures that their contributions paid for.

Adopt-A-Watt sponsor Eaton Corp. also paid for a 220-volt electric vehicle charging station at the garage.

O’Reilly said the energy-efficient garages are just a part of the city’s overall sustainability efforts, which also include LED traffic and street lights, cleaner diesel trucks, and exploration of waste-to-energy projects.

“This is just part of what I hope will be a global effort to preserve our limited resources for generations to come,” O’Reilly told a crowd of about 50 people gathered at the garage.

Besides major sponsor DTE Energy, silver sponsors in the new garage included the Auto Tech Clinic, Central Michigan University, Critical Care Medicine Partners, Henry Ford Health System, Nickel & Saph Insurance, Oakwood Healthcare, Roma Bakery and Severstal North America.

Bronze sponsors included ACCESS, BDT LightSource, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Byblos Banquets Center, Co-Op Services Credit Union, Dearborn Steel Center, Dearborn Sustainability Coalition, Dearborn Surgery Center, DoubleTree Hotel, Epplinger Manufacturing, Going Green Foundation, Grimwade-Norwood, Highlight Associates Insurance, Illusion Signs and Graphics, Jan Overhead Door, LaFontaine Import Center, LaPita Restaurant, Leon’s Family Dining, Morse Moving and Storage, and St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Adopt-A-Watt has other installation projects under way in Michigan, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

More at www.adopt-a-watt.com.

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Adopt-A-Watt Program Kicks Off In Dearborn

September 26, 2011 2:46 PM

A new program designed to improve municipal energy efficiency, developed in Dearborn but intended to be spread nationwide, is officially off the ground.

A couple of dozen initial sponsors in the National Adopt-A-Watt program gathered last week to celebrate the program’s launch.

Adopt-A-Watt operates in much the same manner as those Adopt-A-Highway programs whose signs you see all over America — only under Adopt-A-Watt, individuals, groups and companies donate money to help cash-strapped municipalities pay for energy efficiency technology.

Founder and CEO Thomas Wither said the donations might be used to cover the cost differential between a conventional vehicle and a hybrid or electric model, or the higher initial cost of LED or induction lighting fixtures.

Last week, Wither said groups have already adopted 66 lamps in Dearborn, and the heavy truck equipment maker Eaton Corp. had offered to provide an electric vehicle recharging station. The moves will save the city 784,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year.

Wither said Adopt-A-Watt is beginning to solicit donations for similar moves in the city of Royal Oak. And outside Michigan, Adopt-A-Watt also is arranging for solar power installations at Philadelphia International Airport and solar area lighting for highway rest stops in New Jersey.

Besides Eaton, sponsors of the program signed so far include ACCESS, Auto Tech, BDT Light Source, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, Byblos Banquets, Central Michigan University, Co-op Services Credit Union, Critical Care Medicine, the Dearborn Agency, Dearborn Steel Center, Dearborn Surgery Center, Dearborn Sustainability, Doubletree by Hilton, Eppinger, Going Green Foundation, Grimwade-Norwood, Highland Associates Insurance, Illusion Signs, Jan Door, LaPita, Leon’s Family Dining, Morse Moving & Storage, Nickel & Saph, Oakwood Healthcare, Roma Bakery, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Severstal NA.

More at www.adopt-a-watt.com

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Adopt-A-Watt brings light to Dearborn

Friday, September 23, 2011

By Katie Hetrick
Press & Guide Newspapers

Ian Grant, left, with Adopt-a-Watt; Paul Bensman, CEO of BDT LightSource; Mike Sobier with Fitzgerald Electric and Cory Gary, sales manager with Eaton Corp., talk shop on Thursday. Near the men are Eaton’s display of electric car plug-in stations and LightSource’s example of induction lights being installed in Dearborn. (Photo by Katie Hetrick)

DEARBORN — A new light is dawning in Dearborn with the official introduction of a program that lets donors improve the city’s energy efficiency.

Adopt-A-Watt works much like adopting a highway, only companies, groups and individuals give money instead of time picking up trash, said Founder and CEO Thomas Wither.

That donation is used to reduce the city’s dependence on fossil fuels by buying more energy efficient lights or paying the difference between a traditional vehicle and an electric one, Wither said.

At a press conference Thursday, Wither said groups have already sponsored 66 lamps in the city and Eaton Corp. offered to provide an electric vehicle recharging station. The event was held at the west parking structure in West Downtown Dearborn. Many of the lights in the garage have already been replaced with energy efficient ones.

Signs touting the program and naming sponsors will be placed by the doors in the parking structure, Wither told the donors, city officials, media and others at the event.

Adopt-A-Watt has officially been around about three years, Wither said.

The company also has deals to provide solar arrays for the Philadelphia International Airport and solar light poles at all the rest areas in New Jersey.

Adopt-A-Watt collects donations, organizes the changes, and recognizes sponsors.

“For our hosts, there’s never any cost to their taxpayers,” Wither said.

Already, Dearborn will be able to save 784,000 kW hours of electricity, or 300 pounds of coal, thanks to the new lights provided by sponsors, Wither said.

The lights also last about 100,000 hours, five times longer than traditional lights.

“That will save the city thousands of dollars in operating costs,” he said.

As the city moves toward electric vehicles, it will also save money in operating costs.

Electric vehicles cost an average of two to three cents per mile to operate compared to 10 to 12 cents for a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, Wither said. Recharging costs should be covered by the savings from new efficient lights.

“Each four of the lamps will allow one electric vehicle to be recharged every day,” Wither said.

Mayor Jack O’Reilly noted that the new parking deck near City Hall was already wired to accommodate up to 50 charging stations. Eight are active ­— four each of two different types of chargers. Others will be wired as demand increases and one type of electric technology comes to the forefront, he said.

He compared it to his mistake decades ago of investing in four-track technology months before eight-tracks were released.

“We don’t want to get caught in that as technology is changing incredibly fast,” O’Reilly said.

The mayor said the new program fits with Dearborn’s long history of environmental efforts.

“This is part of an overall looking forward by the city,” he said. “The rest of the challenge is to create a sustainable city.” Already some streetlights, especially along Oakwood Boulevard, have been retrofitted to be more efficient, he said.

“The capital cost of doing this is going to be a lot,” O’Reilly said.

Adopt-A-Watt will allow the city to make those changes faster and turn the city greener ­ both in its environmental impact and in the money it will save on utility bills.

When the city added the plug-in stations at the new eastside parking deck, it looked at adding meters so people could pay for the power.

Meters were dropped when the city learned it costs about 81 cents a day to charge an electric car.

Rick Marrone, on the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce board of directors, said, “I’m really impressed with all the sponsorships and how the city comes together.” Among the first sponsors were Cindy Gimwade and Dave Norwood, two city employees involved with getting Adopt-A-Watt in the city.

Dozens of other businesses and organizations have signed on since then.

BDT LightSource is providing most of the lights used by Adopt-A-Watt in Dearborn.

The induction lights are just as efficient as LED lights, but only about one-third of the cost, said CEO Paul Bensman. The company provided a display about the different lights at the press conference.

Induction lights are also cooler than LED and last 100,000 hours, he said.

Dearborn’s lights would pay for themselves in electric savings in 14 to 16 months, said Steve Tokarz, BDT LightSource president and COO.

The company is based in Livonia and has worked with Adopt-A-Watt on other programs across the country, Bensman said.

“We’re thrilled to be launching in Dearborn,” Wither said. The history and success of Ford Motor Co. in the city provide an inspiration to anyone trying something new, he said.

Those interested in sponsoring a light can visit adopt-a-watt.com to learn more.

Katie Hetrick covers environmental and education issues. She can be reached at katie_hetrick@hotmail.com.

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Adopt-A-Watt Aims to Help Dearborn Conserve Energy, Money

West Dearborn’s two parking structures will be the first in Michigan to be fitted with energy-efficient lights, courtesy of the city and some very concerned businesses.

By Molly Tippen

September 22, 2011

Adopt-A-Watt founder Thomas Wither explains the purpose of his organization and prepares for the unveiling on Thursday in Dearborn.

If residents see some very modern-looking lights being installed at west Dearborn’s two public parking structures, take heart: This is one public project designed to save dollars and energy, not expend those resources.

The Adopt-A-Watt program, a public-private partnership conceived by Royal Oak businessman Thomas Wither, rolled out its program for Dearborn Thursday morning atop the West Village Road parking structure.

Adopt-A-Watt is a partnership that allows businesses or organizations to sponsor energy-efficient efforts in a particular city–such as the lights at Dearborn's parking structures. The goal of the program is to save energy and dollars for the community.

“This is going to conserve energy and create a cleaner environment for the community,” said Wither. “It also cuts energy bills and saves money, which has to be considered today.”

Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly said the program is a big step toward sustainability in a community that has taken an interest in energy-efficient programs.

“It’s a wonderful program,” he said. “And we’re happy that so many local businesses are interested in being partners with us.”

So far, about 25 businesses have signed on to sponsor lights in Dearborn.

The National Adopt-A-Watt program, based in Royal Oak, helps financially challenged municipalities reduce energy costs and set the groundwork for transitioning to more efficient electric government vehicles in the future.

The concept behind it is simple: Businesses sponsor the addition of a light, and the monies that are saved are redirected into other green initiatives.

Sponsor businesses or nonprofits’ names and logos will be prominently displayed on signage throughout the parking structures, providing year-round recognition of their participation and community support.

David Norwood, Dearborn’s sustainability coordinator, said the program will free up dollars that will be reinvested into other city efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption and promote clean energy, which will save money for taxpayers.

Electric vehicles are a big part of that plan, Norwood said.

“We’re going to start using electric vehicles for supervisor’s vehicles first,” he said, “As the technology improves, we’ll begin to think about replacing first-responder vehicles.”

Norwood said the number of vehicles that will be purchased is not known because they’re not sure exactly how many dollars the program will make available.

What is sure is that the potential for saving money is huge.

The new lights are designed to burn 300,000 fewer pounds of coal, and will last 100,000 hours–significantly longer than conventional lights.

Elizabeth Hughes, the program coordinator for the Healthy Kids Project at ACCESS, said the organization’s sponsorship of Adopt-A-Watt fits in with the Dearborn nonprofit's objectives.

“It’s important to create a sustainable community for our future leaders,” she said.

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Adopt-A-Watt Launches in Dearborn

August 22, 2011 2:21 PM

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CBS/WWJ Newsradio 950 January 30, 2011 6:02 AM

DEARBORN (WWJ) The City of Dearborn is seeking  sponsors for the installation of 200 high-efficiency lights in two downtown west Dearborn parking decks.

The program is similar to the Adopt-A-Highway program, where individuals, companies or non-profit organizations adopt a portion of a highway.

The Adopt-A-Watt program gives sponsors community recognition for funding of clean energy, alternative fuel and energy-efficiency projects.

The funds raised will be used to support other Dearborn clean energy projects such as the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. Dearborn is at the forefront of such projects…it’s already installed high-efficiency LED streetlights on Oakwood, south of Michigan Avenue.

“Dearborn is committed to green initiatives, but we must be conscious of our financial challenges. The Adopt-A-Watt program is a way for Dearborn to boost our energy efficiency measures and install green technology without impacting our general fund,” Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. said.

The installation is part of an overall initiative forwarded by the National Adopt-A-Watt program to encourage the use of energy-efficient lights in communities and promote the conservation of energy.

Click on here for more information about the Adopt-A-Watt program.

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Times-Herald - January 22, 2011

City seeks sponsors for parking deck lights

Dearborn to install high efficiency lights, joins Adopt-A-Watt program

DEARBORN, MI – City officials announced plans last Wednesday to seek sponsors for the installation of 200 high-efficiency lights in the two west end downtown parking decks.

It is part of an overall initiative forwarded by the National Adopt-A-Watt Program to encourage the installation of energy-efficient lights in communities and to promote energy conservation.

Adopt-A-Watt, based on the successful Adopt-A-Highway program, gives sponsors community recognition for funding of clean energy, alternative fuel and energy-efficiency projects.

Individuals, companies, foundations and nonprofits can learn more about the National Adopt-A-Watt Program and sponsoring opportunities in Dearborn by going to the NAAWP Website at www.adopt-a-watt.com.

“Dearborn is committed to green initiatives, but we must be conscious of our financial challenges,” Mayor John O’Reilly Jr. said. “The Adopt-A-Watt program is a way for Dearborn to boost our energy efficiency measures and install green technology without impacting our general fund.

“It is also a great example of how important partnerships are to the success of green initiatives.”

The Adopt-A-Watt program will arrange and coordinate all sponsorship, financing, installation and ongoing maintenance of the lights.

Money raised above those expenses will be used to support other clean energy projects in the city, such as the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. In turn, those initiatives will further reduce fossil fuel consumption and operating costs.

Dearborn has been assertive in its embrace of green technologies, including installing solar panels and electric vehicle chargers in its new east downtown parking garage.

It has also installed high-efficiency light-emitting diode streetlights on Oakwood, south of Michigan Avenue.

“Dearborn has always been about the future,” said Dave Norwood, the city’s sustainability coordinator. “Ford Motor (Co.) and in particular the Dearborn-based F-150 Assembly Plant have become superstars.”

Thomas A. Wither, founder and principal of the National Adopt-A-Watt Program, said, “Dearborn has long been a national leader in embracing 21st century energy as well as energy efficiency. This action further demonstrates their concern for the environment and desire to fully support our automakers’ move to electric vehicle transportation.

“We greatly appreciate their participation in our program and we look forward to helping them further achieve their clean energy goals,” Wither said.

Matt Sandstom of the Clean Energy Coalition is equally enthusiastic.

“Investing in clean energy technologies is rapidly becoming the status quo for communities throughout the Detroit area,” Sandstom said.

“Electric vehicle charging stations are of particular importance in Dearborn and send a powerful message to automakers: cities can easily adapt to cleaner technologies and are willing to invest in the necessary infrastructure. Moreover, these investments will pave the way toward a cleaner, more energy-efficient community,” he said. 

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Doctors’ Hospital installing solar lights

Doctors’ Hospital of Michigan and Adopt-A-Watt Inc. will initially deploy six sponsored solar lights and three solar arrays at their main hospital campus in Pontiac.  The lighting will be installed in three parking lots used for the hospital visitors and staff. 

Sponsorships from national supporters will pay for the solar lights and arrays. The overall goal of the solar lighting will be to reduce fossil fuel consumption and operating costs for DHM.

“DHM’s main campus is over 4 million square feet and we use an average of about 27 million watts of electricity per day incurring an average monthly utility bill of $96,000,” said Jerry Baker, the manager of facilities and maintenance at DHM.

“The sponsored solar lights and solar arrays in our parking lots will allow us be part of the clean energy initiative while helping us save money that can be allocated for improvements in patient services instead,” he added.

“This action taken by DHM clearly demonstrates concern for the environment and their patients, and their desire to support the USDOE’s EnergySmart Hospitals initiative, which promotes improved energy conservation at the 8,000 hospitals in the United States,” said Thomas A. Wither, founder and principal of the National Adopt-A-Watt program, which is based out of Royal Oak.

“We are very pleased that the Doctors’ Hospital will be part of our program and are looking forward to helping them achieve their clean energy goals.”

Wither predicted that the installation date for the solar lighting in hospital’s three parking lots will likely be sometime in mid-2011.

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Green: Outdoor

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School Bus Fleet magazine, October 2009

Adopt-A-Watt provides bus stop lights, green project funds

                 

Corporate sponsorships will cover the total cost of installing and maintaining 50 solar-powered school bus stop lights in Taylor (Mich.) School District. Any excess revenue raised can be used for purposes that reduce fossil fuel consumption and operation costs.

 

TAYLOR, Mich. — As approved by a unanimous vote by the Board of Education in July, Taylor School District will acquire solar school bus stop lights through the National Adopt-A-Watt program. 

 

It is projected that 50 new solar lights will be installed at school bus stops in Taylor through sponsorships that will cover the total cost. Revenue raised in excess of the cost of the lights will be divided evenly between the school district and city. 

 

Under the program, the excess funds can be used for any purpose that reduces fossil fuel consumption and operating costs. Projects under consideration include the purchase of new plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles for the city, cleaner-burning biodiesel fuel for school buses and large-scale solar electric systems for school buildings. 

 

Adopt-A-Watt is a Royal Oak, Mich.-based company that recruits corporate sponsors to pay a fee for solar panels or solar lights. The panels or lights are erected with signs listing the names of sponsors. The bus stop lights in Taylor represent the company’s first school bus stop project. 

With sponsorship bids of $2,000, Adopt-A-Watt projects that net revenue for the city and school system over 20 years with the 50 lights would amount to $1,454,000. 

 

Modeled after the Adopt-A-Highway acknowledgment program, the Adopt-A-Watt Program gives sponsors community recognition for funding clean energy, alternative fuel and energy-efficiency projects. The program arranges and coordinates all sponsorship, financing, installation and ongoing maintenance for sponsorable photo-voltaic displays (SPVD). 

 

Sponsorship of SPVDs is arranged via a virtual auction process at the National Adopt-A-Watt Website, www.adopt-a-watt.com.

 

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District Administration, October 2009

Solar Lights Provide Safety and Revenue

By Don Parker-Burgard

A student is illuminated by a prototype of a solar-powered school bus stop safety light in Taylor, Michigan.

Students in the Taylor (Mich.) School District waiting for school buses in the early morning hours will soon see the light—the solar-powered light, that is, illuminating their bus stop. Through a new program sponsored by Adopt-a-Watt and approved by the Taylor school board over the summer, solar-powered lights will soon be installed at 50 locations around the city. Not only will they enhance the safety of waiting students, but they will also generate revenue for the city and the school district.

Adopt-a-Watt is an initiative patterned after the federal Adopt-a-Highway program. A company or nonprofit pays an annual fee and in return is listed as the sponsor of a solar panel, which either powers a specific light or contributes to the electricity grid. Unlike with the main Adopt-a-Watt program, in which organizations bid on the chance to sponsor a site, the new School Bus Stop Safety Light program will assess a flat fee of $2,000 per year.

According to Thomas Wither, Adopt-a-Watt’s founder and principal, this fee will cover all costs to install and maintain the lights for one year, with a little bit left over. Over the next 19 years, however, the sponsorships will generate a great deal of revenue. For 50 lights, Wither estimates the net will be $1,454,000, to be divided equally between the city and the school district.

All revenue from the program must be directed to reducing the use of fossil fuels, Adopt-a-Watt’s primary goal. Wither sees great potential here for districts. “Schools desperately want to become more green, but they don’t have the funds,” he says. For every 10 bus stop lights, he explains, “there would be enough revenue generated to fund a 20-kilowatt solar-power system financed over a 10-year period.”

Adopt-a-Watt hopes to have all lights installed by the end of the year.

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The News-Herald, August 18, 2009

City, school district join forces to illuminate bus stops

By Anne Sullivan

TAYLOR — The city and school district are joining forces to shed some light on bus stop safety.

The Board of Education voted last month to join with the city in its Adopt-A-Watt program. The City Council had approved the program earlier.

The decision means it will be a little less dark in the morning at the school bus stops, students will be safer and it won’t cost the city or schools money.

The Adopt-A-Watt Program installs solar lights at school bus stops and seeks sponsors to pay for the lights, which cost about $2,000, said Thomas Wither, founder of the Royal Oak-based National Adopt-A-Watt Program.

For the sponsorship, a business gets its name on a sign on the light at the bus stop.

About 50 solar lights will be installed at school bus stops throughout the city, Wither said.

Any revenue raised in excess of the cost of the lights will be divided evenly between the city and school district. The money generated by the solar lights from the Adopt-A-Watt Program can be used for anything that reduces fossil fuel consumption and operating costs, he said.

With its funds, the city is considering purchasing new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

The school district is considering purchasing cleaner burning biodiesel fuel for school buses, or large-scale solar electric systems for school buildings.

“City officials enjoy a great working relationship with the Taylor Board of Education and the superintendent’s office,” Mayor Cameron Priebe said.

“The Adopt-A-Watt Program is a win-win situation for everyone. The program generates energy, thus reducing energy costs and the carbon footprint. Meanwhile, corporate sponsorship creates publicity for local businesses and promotes goodwill within the community.”

Supt. Bethany Iverson agreed.

“We’ve completed a number of projects with the city and the Taylor schools are proud to partner with the city in the Adopt-A-Watt program,” Iverson said. “It’s great for the environment, important for our city and a wonderful addition for our schools and the safety of our students.”

The move by the City Council and the school board demonstrates the community’s concerns for the safety and welfare of its school children, Wither said.

Sponsorship enables businesses throughout the community to be in the spotlight and help the community.

“Sponsorship offers a high-profile opportunity to show support for clean energy, children and the community,” he said.

The Adopt-A-Watt program coordinates and arranges all sponsorships, Wither said. It is done via a virtual auction at www.adopt-a-watt.com.

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District Administration Product Posts, August 17, 2009

Get Local Businesses to Adopt-A-Watt In Your District...

Adopt-A-Watt is a new program similar to Adopt-A-Highway or other corporate sponsorships: businesses pay for a small solar panel in some public place, and get a sign proclaiming their generosity and acting as advertising.

Among the variety of applications for such a program is lighting for bus stops, and the organization hopes many more schools like the Taylor (Michigan) School District will come on board. Not only is the project free, but it also creates revenue: both the city and school district of Taylor, for example, will be receiving $38,000 a year net income from this implementation. Bus stops are often dark and lonely spots--I remember those cold winter mornings, I almost started a campfire a few times--and if you can brighten them with a solar powered, pollution-free light for free with corporate sponsorship, and make some cash in the process, what have you got to lose? Cool idea.

Posted by Kurt Dyrli on August 17, 2009 at 02:09 PM

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 STNMagazine - August 6, 2009

You've Heard of Adopt-A-Highway, Now There's Adopt-A-Watt™

A new program that solicits corporate sponsorship of solar-power lights around communities, like at a Taylor, Mich., school district's bus stops, is being offered around the nation to help promote projects that utilize renewable alternative fuels.

The program will install 50 solar light stands with the revenue being evenly split between the city and the school district. Sponsorships of around $2,000 each will completely pay for the lights, with the sponsors being listed on a sign similar to shows that adorn stretches of highway.

The excess funds can be used for any purpose that reduces fossil fuel consumption and operating costs. Projects under consideration at Taylor include the purchase of new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for the city and, for the school district, cleaner burning biodiesel fuel for school buses or even large-scale solar electric systems for school buildings.

The school board approved the program on July 14.

Adopt-a-Watt™ is already in place at several airports across the country including at Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The program also has it's first celebrity spokesperson, Linda Gray of the 1980s TV show "Dallas" fame.

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School Bus Fleet Magazine - August 5, 2009 Adopt-A-Watt provides bus stop lights, green project funds to local schools Corporate sponsorships will cover the total cost of installing and maintaining 50 solar-powered school bus stop lights. TAYLOR, Mich. — As approved by a unanimous vote by the Board of Education last month, the Taylor School District will acquire solar school bus stop lights through the National Adopt-A-Watt™ program. It is projected that 50 new solar lights will be installed at school bus stops in Taylor through sponsorships that will cover the total cost. Revenue raised in excess of the cost of the lights will be divided evenly between the school district and city. Under the program, the excess funds can be used for any purpose that reduces fossil fuel consumption and operating costs. Projects under consideration include the purchase of new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for the city, cleaner-burning biodiesel fuel for school buses and large-scale solar electric systems for school buildings. Adopt-A-Watt™ is a Royal Oak, Mich.-based company that recruits corporate sponsors to pay a fee for solar panels or solar lights. The panels or lights are erected with signs listing the names of sponsors. The bus stop lights in Taylor represent the company’s first school bus stop project. With sponsorship bids of $2,000, Adopt-A-Watt™ projects that net revenue for the city and school system over 20 years with the 50 lights would amount to $1,454,000. Modeled after the Adopt-A-Highway acknowledgment program, the Adopt-A-Watt™ Program gives sponsors community recognition for funding clean energy, alternative fuel and energy-efficiency projects. The program arranges and coordinates all sponsorship, financing, installation and ongoing maintenance for sponsor-able photo-voltaic displays (SPVD). Sponsorship of SPVDs is arranged via a virtual auction process at the National Adopt-A-Watt™ Website, www.adopt-a-watt.com. Back to Top

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The Detroit News - Monday, September 8, 2008

Program helps city lights to go green 

By Jennifer Chambers

National Adopt-A-Watt supports clean energy use by collecting donations to add solar power to poles.

ROYAL OAK -- Thomas A. Wither is bent on saving the planet, even if it means doing it one light pole at a time.

The Royal Oak entrepreneur created the national Adopt-A-Watt program, which collects donations from businesses, organization and individuals and buys cash-strapped municipalities -- like Royal Oak -- solar powered arrays for street lights. The donor's name is displayed on the light pole. Wither said the program allows cities to make the transition cheaply to clean energy and alternative fuels, and sponsors get a plug for being green.

So far, 41 communities in 21 states have joined the program, modeled after Adopt-A-Highway. Other participants include airports such as Cortez Municipal in Colorado and Savannah-Hilton Head International.  "The whole idea is to allow an organization to show it is green in a highly visible and very dramatic fashion. Actions speak louder than words. It's not just saying you support it. You are doing something about it. It's 365 days of support," Wither said.

The amount of the sponsor's fee is determined through a virtual bidding process at www.adopt-a-watt.com. The money is used to finance, insure and maintain each light system. A small portion is taken for a management fee.

The city of Royal Oak signed up for the program earlier this summer and is still negotiating a list of potential sites for the solar lights across the city. Greg Rassel, director of city recreation and public services, said he expects the new lights to go in highly visible areas of the city such as the farmers market, Lindell Ice Arena or Woodward Avenue.

Wither is working on a deal at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York. Discussions have been generated with more than 200 government and nongovernment agencies across the United States for rest areas, travel plazas, bridges, tunnels, airports, sports and entertainment complexes, schools, hospitals, light rail and bus stops and more.

You can reach Jennifer Chambers at (248) 647-7402 or jchambers@detnews.com.

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Royal Oak Review (MI) - July 30, 2008

Royal Oak one of first to 'Adopt-A-Watt'
Local man looks to have private companies sponsor public solar panels

By JEREMY CARROLL

C & G Staff Writer 

ROYAL OAK - Royal Oak resident Tom Wither had been all over the country trying to get airports on board with his innovative solar energy-based program, Adopt-A-Watt, when he heard Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison had met with other local mayors on alternative energy programs. "All of a sudden Royal Oak had gone very green on me," Wither said.

The lifelong city resident pitched his idea - using solar panels like Adopt-A-Highway signs - to city officials, and Royal Oak has become one of the first cities in the country to move forward with the program after signaling their support in early July.

When launched, the program will seek sponsors for solar panels that will either be attached to parking-lot lights or larger panels in front of public buildings that feed power into the electrical system.

"The lights are completely self contained," Wither said, who first started a grassroots campaign for the idea two years ago. "They would charge during the daytime hours and would be immune to power outages, which would have been nice lately."

He said the lights are sized so they could run with six straight days of no sunlight. They shut down into safe mode if they get no light for longer than that.

The large solar panels in front of public buildings would feed into the building's electrical system, slowing the meter down, Wither said.

Each of the solar panels would have a small sign similar to the Adopt-A-Highway program highlighting the sponsor of the panel.

Among the public bodies that have signed on are airports in Kalamazoo; Dickinson, N.D.; Cortez, Colo.; and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia. Wither said they've also made pitches to JFK in New York, Honolulu International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport.

Wither, who described himself as an innovator and inventor with several patents and more than 15 years working in environmental technology, said Adopt-A-Watt would start to solicit private companies to sponsor the signs after they get commitments from the big airports.

"This will be a way for a corporation to walk to the talk," Wither said. "Everyone is trying to show how green they are. This is a very visible way to show you are supporting clean energy."

The solar panels with lights would have a $7,500 annual donation while the larger panels would be a $15,000 annual donation.

That cost would go toward the cost of installation and maintenance of the panels and signs from a third-party vendor, along with giving the city a portion of the money to invest elsewhere in green technologies.

Greg Rassel, director of the Department of Public Services, said the program would allow the city an extra revenue source to spend on alternative energy programs. "It gives us an opportunity to be involved in some green technology," he said.

He said the city is currently working with Wither to figure out the best locations for possible lights or panels, with one being mentioned at the fire station located on the corner of Woodward Avenue and 13 Mile Road.

"It's a city-owned facility and in a very visible location," he said. "We are looking for locations that would give us the biggest bang for our buck."

For more information on the program, visit www.adopt-a-watt.com.  

You can reach Staff Writer Jeremy Carroll at jcarroll@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1110.

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CBS/WWJ Great Lakes IT Report - Wednesday, July 23, 2008 5:26PM

An Adopt-A-Watt solar street light installation with sponsor sign He's Selling Solar Power One Light Pole At A Time

A former manufacturer's representative and stockbroker has found a new calling selling solar electric power -- one light pole at a time. Thomas A. Wither has created the National Adopt-a-Watt Program, www.adopt-a-watt.com, and he's busily signing up municipalities, airports and other institutions. The idea is simple, and is modeled on the national "Adopt A Highway" program. The program collects donations from businesses, organizations or individuals. The money is used to buy a solar power array for a street light. And the donor's name and logo are displayed on a nice plaque on the street light pole. There are also sponsorable 500-watt solar energy collection arrays that simply feed power to the grid. Among other institutions, the city of Royal Oak and Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport are exploring the concept. "The genesis of the idea was, let's stop waiting around for government subsidies and handouts that never seem to arrive, and instead let's take a business approach to this thing and figure out a way to make some money for cash strapped institutions and develop some clean and safe 21st century industry," Wither said. Wither is currently working on a deal at the New York-New Jersey Port Authority and John F. Kennedy airport in New York. It's also gathered the support of 41 U.S. Clean Cities Coalitions in 21 states. The price of the poles will depend on how big of a crowd will see the plaque. "We're looking at starting at $5,000 a year," Wither said. The goal of the program is completely immodest. Wither said he bets he could get $6 billion to $7 billion a year in revenue for the program and plans to concentrate on prying money away from print media advertising. That represents 10% of the $65 billion U.S. companies spend yearly on printed advertising. "This is a visible, concrete statement that you're green," Wither said. "It's not an ad in a newspaper or a magazine saying you're green, this is concrete proof that you are doing something." Wither said project discussions have been generated with more than 200 government and non-government agencies from Massachusetts to Hawaii for rest areas, travel plazas, bridges, tunnels, airports, sports and entertainment complexes, schools, hospitals, light rail and bus stops and more.

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Royal Oak, MIRROR - July 13, 2008

Royal Oak man offers alternative funding for alternative energy

By Megan Pennefather
MIRROR STAFF WRITER

The future of green energy funding started with an Adopt-a-Highway sign.

It was 2005 and Tom Wither, a Royal Oak resident, passed by one such sign when he had an idea: Why not offer a program just like Adopt-a-Highway but for clean energy?

"The light bulb just went on," Wither said.

An energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulb?

"Yeah, you got it," he laughed. "CFLs all the way."

Three years later, Wither is head of the Royal Oak-based National Adopt-a-Watt Program, which allows private sponsors to invest money in solar-lighting devices for use by municipalities and other public entities. In exchange, a sponsor gets naming rights and/or public acknowledgment.

The Royal Oak City Commission approved allowing private donors to sponsor energy-saving devices on city buildings and parks. As with Adopt-a-Highway, said Wither, there is no public money used to fund these energy-saving devices.

Municipalities permit use of public space for the project and help Adopt-a-Watt representatives scout highly visible locations that may be attractive to possible donors.

"We mimic (the Adopt-a-Highway program) exactly, but instead of giving (sponsors) recognition for picking up litter on the side of the highway, we give them community recognition for investing in clean energy," said Wither.

Here's a possible scenario: A company or other private sponsor donates $5,000 to purchase a solar lighting panel and wants it to be installed at the Royal Oak Fire Station at 13 Mile and Woodward. When that solar panel is installed, a sign would be prominently displayed crediting the sponsor business or individual, much like with Adopt-a-Highway.

Wither said he started the program at airports and other municipalities across the country. Donors invest money in the project through an online bidding process at www.adopt-a-watt.com.

Royal Oak commissioners on Monday acknowledged the need for an alternative funding mechanism for energy-efficient technology in the city.

"We need to pursue energy alternatives, and this proposal certainly provides that," said Commissioner Michael Andrzejak. "I'm somewhat intrigued and excited by the endless opportunities that could be provided by this."

Wither said that in addition to the solar panels providing real benefits in terms of clean energy, the devices also serve to heighten awareness to the general public.

The program "also makes people more energy-conscious when they see an energy-saving device," he said.

Wither is looking for private sponsors to fund clean energy for the city of Royal Oak. For more information on the Adopt-a-Watt Program, visit www.adopt-a-watt.com.

mpennefather@hometownlife.com | (248) 901-2558

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The Daily Tribune - July 10, 2008

Royal Oak hops onto solar bandwagon with participation agreement in energy program

 

By Elizabeth A. Katz

Daily Tribune Staff Writer

 

ROYAL OAK – The city is taking a step in the eco-friendly direction by joining a program that would sell sponsorships to companies that want to invest in solar energy panels and lights.

 

City commissioners earlier this week voted unanimously to participate in the Adopt-A-Watt program, a national program based in Royal Oak. Commissioner Stephen Miller was absent from the meeting.

 

“This is a sponsorship program, so there will be absolutely no cost to the city initially or during the ongoing lifetime of the program,” said company founder Tom Wither.

 

Wither said that he and his sons founded the company so that a private, business-based solution was available to address energy problems, moving away from unreliable government funding.

 

“This will create a chain reaction of public support and participation,” he predicted. “The answer to our energy problems rises in the east every morning.”

 

So far, 41 cities in 21 states have joined the Adopt-A-Watt program. Wither said the company has made presentations at airports, including the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek airport and Savannah/Hilton International Airport in South Carolina.

 

Adopt-A-Watt Inc., the formal name of the company, offers two types of solar devices, including a PV display, which generates 20,000 kWh of clean electricity. The panel, with a lifespan of 35 years, eliminates sulfur dioxide, coal, nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide from the environment.

 

The second option is a photo-voltaic light, which also has a 35-year lifespan and is immune to power outages.

 

The program is akin to the Adopt-A-Highway Program, where companies pay an agreed-upon amount and have their company name on the sign. Adopt-A-Watt program conducts virtual auctions to gain sponsors. The fees that are raised pay for the solar electric system and the excess amount is used to pay for anything the government agency deems effective in reducing fossil fuel consumption.

 

Companies who wish to sponsor a solar display or light will bid on the amount they would like to sponsor. The highest bid wins.

Assuming that sponsors are willing to pay $15,000 a year for a solar display at multiple locations or $5,000 a year on a light in multiple locations, Wither estimates that revenue generated through ongoing sponsorship would pay for items such as the device itself, 40,000 gallons of B-20 bio-diesel; the leasing of four flex fuel vehicles; the refueling of four E-85 vehicles; and the financing, installation and management of the system.

 

“We think some of the money (generated) could be leveraged to get other grant monies” for the municipalities, Wither said.

 

No display or light is installed until sponsors are secured.

 

Greg Rassel, director of recreation and public service in Royal Oak, is in support of the program. He told commissioners that the city will work with Adopt-A-Watt to scout and identify locations, solicit sponsors and develop a contract that will come before the commission for final approval.

 

City Commissioner Michael Andrzejak said he was in support of Royal Oak’s participation in the program.  “We need to pursue energy alternatives,” he said. “Watching the daily increases in gas prices tells us that. This proposal certainly provides that and the price is right.”

 

Contact Elizabeth A. Katz at elizabeth.katz@dailytribune.com or (248) 591-2521.

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Airports Council International - May 1, 2008

Savannah/Hilton Head Joins Adopt-A-Watt™ Program

SAVANNAH, Ga.--Savannah/Hilton Head International is pleased to announce the Savannah Airport Commission’s approval of its clean energy and alternative fuel funding program. “We all understand the importance of exploring energy alternatives and, as part of our overall focus for 2008, our Staff is working to minimize the Airport’s effect on the environment,” said Patrick S. Graham, Executive Director. “We look forward to working with Adopt-A-Watt™ in the generation of clean energy and the creation of community awareness.”

 “This action taken by Savannah/Hilton Head International demonstrates that everyone can and should do their part to protect the environment and reduce the use of fossil fuel”. We are very pleased with their acceptance of our program and look forward to helping them achieve clean energy and alternative fuel goals”, stated Thomas A. Wither, founder and principal of the National Adopt-A-Watt™ Program.

Modeled after the successful Adopt-A-Highway acknowledgment program, the patent pending, NAAWP gives sponsors community recognition for funding clean energy, alternative fuel and energy efficiency projects. The program arranges and coordinates all sponsorship, financing, installation and on-going maintenance for Sponsorable Photo-Voltaic Displays (SPVDs). A SPVD is a complete (.5) kW solar electric system that uniquely generates both clean energy and a new source of revenue that is used to fund other energy saving equipment or alternative fuel infrastructure. Sponsorship of SPVDs is arranged via a virtual auction process at the National Adopt-A-Watt ™ Web site, www.adopt-a-watt.com. Sponsorship presents an exciting new venue for corporations to use a portion of their marketing budgets to get their name in front of the public, but at the same time improve the environment and the economies of the communities they serve.

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