Group turns cans into solar power for families

For every donation of 150 aluminum cans, nonprofit organization Green Energy Team makes a solar energy heater and donates it to an underprivileged family.

Derek Granat, a senior at Western Illinois University, had the idea about a year ago and decided to put his thoughts into action. After launching Green Energy Team on Western's campus two months ago, he has seen tremendous results in terms of can donations.

"This doesn't exist anywhere else," Granat said. "I can't find any other organization that takes away people's recycling for free and donates it back to the American people. It does not exist."

Within the week, the University of Illinois will have 20 can collection bins, mostly at fraternity houses, where anyone can donate aluminum cans. Green Energy Team will then pick up the cans and have them either made into solar panels or turned in for 30 cents a pound so they can buy other supplies for the heater.

The cans are painted black in order to better absorb heat, so whatever beverage selection was made will not be displayed.

"It seemed like a really simple job and simple way to help out people," said David Kirmse, Green Energy Team University of Illinois chapter president, and sophomore in LAS. "It's really not hard to sell to people either. 'I'm going to be your garbage man - put your cans in a special bin and I will pick them up.'"

The solar energy heater is meant to be used in conjunction with standard heating systems, not to replace them. Although it all depends on the size of the room, the heater can reduce heating costs on average between 20 and 30 percent.

The panel is installed on the roof of the home, where air is pushed from the room, heated within the panel, and then pushed back into the room as warmer air.

Although the solar heater won't work if the day is completely overcast, most days at least have sunny portions, Granat said.

Because the weather is getting warmer, Green Energy Team is waiting to donate the heaters until the fall. This way they can get an application ready for the families who want the free heater before formally giving away the heaters.