Originally established in 1994 as St. Mary’s Dental Clinic, the organization expanded and rebranded in 2025 as the New Hanover Outreach Clinic. The clinic provides oral surgery and additional medical services for patients living at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, many of whom do not have access to affordable healthcare elsewhere.
Cape Fear Energy had previously worked alongside Executive Director Laura Vinson on earlier nonprofit initiatives, including projects involving St. Mary’s Dental Clinic. As the clinic continued growing its services, operational costs, particularly electricity expenses, became an increasing challenge for an organization that provides care at little to no cost for patients.
Leadership sought a solution that could lower monthly expenses and allow more funding to remain focused on patient care and community services.
The clinic needed to reduce operational energy costs without diverting already limited nonprofit resources away from patient services. Because the organization depends heavily on fundraising and donations, minimizing upfront project costs and installation time was critical.
The building also presented shading challenges from nearby obstructions, requiring a system capable of maintaining strong production throughout the day despite inconsistent sun exposure.
The solar system was designed to offset electricity usage and reduce long-term utility expenses, freeing additional funding for patient care and clinic operations.
Top Rack donated its rail-less racking system, significantly reducing installation time and labor requirements compared to traditional rail-based mounting systems.
The rail-less design minimized rooftop components while streamlining system leveling and alignment, improving installation efficiency and reducing overall project costs.
The system incorporated proprietary ShadeFix technology to maximize production throughout the day, even with partial shading from trees and nearby obstructions.
The final installation included an 18.4 kW rooftop solar array composed of 40 solar panels generating approximately 17,228 kWh annually.
Top Rack’s donated rail-less racking system reduced installation time by approximately 50%. The system’s built-in adjustment capabilities allowed faster installation while reducing manpower requirements and rooftop material complexity.
Cape Fear Energy Systems donated the remaining project materials, helping make the installation financially achievable for the nonprofit organization. Together with ShadeFix optimization technology, the system delivers reliable renewable energy production while helping reduce the clinic’s operational costs.
The solar installation reduces monthly utility expenses, allowing more organizational funding to be directed toward healthcare services instead of operational overhead. The donated equipment and materials also significantly reduced project costs for the clinic.
The accelerated installation process minimized disruption to clinic operations while reducing labor requirements and rooftop complexity. ShadeFix technology helps maintain strong system performance throughout the day despite shading conditions on the property.
Lower operating expenses directly support the clinic’s mission of providing healthcare services to underserved patients throughout the Wilmington area. By reducing electricity costs, the organization can dedicate more resources toward oral surgery, medical care, and expanded patient support services.
The project also demonstrates the impact of community collaboration, with multiple organizations contributing expertise, equipment, and materials to support a mission-driven nonprofit.
This project demonstrates how renewable energy can strengthen nonprofit organizations by lowering operational costs and increasing long-term financial stability. For organizations serving vulnerable populations, every dollar saved on utilities can be redirected toward patient care and community services.
The installation also highlights how innovation and collaboration can make clean energy more accessible. Through donated materials, advanced installation methods, and strategic system design, the project delivered meaningful operational savings while supporting healthcare access for patients who need it most.
"I can't express how thankful I am and how overwhelming it is to have been given this gift. I don't think people understand what it is to have to raise funds for a nonprofit to continuously keep it going. This gift will ensure the money I do get will go to other things and not paying utility bills with it. Just know that everything you've done for us will be passed on to the patients and that's essentially the people who will be benefiting from what Top Rack did and Cape Fear Energy did." — Laura Vinson, Executive Director, New Hanover Outreach Clinic