Solar Power and Community Spirit Shine Bright at Copper River Food Bank
Jason Toole and the Long Spring Solar Team bringing good vibes and even better energy to the Copper River Food Bank! Photos by Lakota McRoberts
August 21, 2025
Lakota McRoberts - CRR Staff
The Copper River Resource Council (CRRC) Food Bank is receiving more than just energy savings this summer—it's receiving a powerful reminder of community support, thanks to the generosity of Long Spring Solar and the leadership of Colleen Merrick.
In partnership with CRRC, Long Spring Solar is donating all labor and extra materials needed to install a grid-tied solar panel system on the food bank's facility. The system will significantly reduce the food bank's utility costs—allowing more funds to go toward feeding families in need across the Copper River Valley.
A Community-First Approach
Jason Toole, the founder of Long Spring Solar and a retired Army officer from JBER, says the decision to help was a no-brainer.
“CRRC reached out and said they had some funds but not quite enough to complete the project,” Jason explained. “They told me about the food bank and their mission here in the valley. It was almost as if we couldn’t say no.”
Colleen Merrick, a dedicated advocate for sustainability and food sovereignty, was the key connector in making this project happen. Her outreach to Jason and Long Spring Solar was instrumental in bringing the idea to life.
“Because of Colleen reaching out, we knew about this opportunity to help,” Jason said. “She’s one of the reasons we’re involved.”
How the System Works
The system being installed is a grid-tied solar panel array—the most efficient and cost-effective option for the site. It doesn’t require batteries or generators. When the sun is shining, the system powers the building, and any excess energy flows back to the grid, spinning the meter in the food bank’s favor.
Making a Difference Through Action
While Long Spring Solar is known for offering fair pricing and high-quality work across Alaska—from remote lodges to community centers—this marks their first official donation of labor and materials to a nonprofit cause.
Jason Toole says it’s been incredibly rewarding.
“We got to meet the folks at the food bank and tour the facility. It’s always great connecting with people in town and being part of something meaningful,” he shared.
Though based in Eagle River, Long Spring Solar works across the state, offering off-grid and grid-tied solar solutions for homes, businesses, and entire communities. Jason, a self-described “busy body” with a background in building, founded the company after retiring from the military and seeing a growing need for clean, affordable energy across Alaska.
“You set it, forget it—it works for 40 years in the background,” he said. “Solar is the cheapest thing most Alaskans can do to keep their energy costs down.”
Long Spring Solar working on site at the Food Bank. Photo by Lakota McRoberts
Encouraging Others to Give Back
For other business owners considering giving back to their communities, Jason offers simple but powerful advice:
“Find meaningful engagement. Not just lip service—actually get out there and do something. Make a lasting impact.”
He hopes others are inspired by the project at the food bank and encouraged to seek ways to support local missions.
A Lasting Impact
When asked what he’s most proud of, Jason doesn’t hesitate.
“It’s the moment the system turns on and people realize they’re producing their own power. Their faces just light up,” he said. “For folks off-grid, when that generator finally turns off and they can hear the birds? It’s magic.”
Ultimately, Jason says the biggest takeaway from this project is what it reveals about the food bank itself.
“The Food Bank worked hard to make this happen. They didn’t wait for someone to offer—they went out and found a way. That says everything about how much they care about this community.”
