Sun powers Tucson soup kitchen

TUCSON, AZ (KOLD) - Casa Maria Soup Kitchen in Tucson is leading the way in solar energy because of a new solar electric system.

The soup kitchen announced the completion of it's rooftop solar power system in September.

The roof of the building is blanketed with 18 solar panels.

The project was paid for by a grant from Technicians for Sustainability, a rebate from Tucson Electric Power and private donations.

The cost for the project was about $22,000.

Officials with Technicians for Sustainability say Casa Maria will save about $70 a month on their electricity bill.

Over the 30 year lifespan of the project, the soup kitchen will save more than $36,000.

Money saved over that time period will go toward feeding those in need.