MARLBOROUGH, MA—City officials join executives from Enel X, Solect Energy and PowerOptions to celebrate Kane Elementary School (173 kW), the first in four rooftop solar systems set to go live this year. The installation at Kane went live in August and is producing electricity that will be reflected as savings on the City’s electric bills going forward. The remaining solar arrays are located at Jaworek Elementary School (211.7 kW), Goodnow Elementary (297.8kW), and Marlborough High School (299.50 kW).
“We are able to achieve 80% solar usage with these systems that were installed at no cost. We continue to seek ways to save our taxpayers money through sustainability programs,” said Mayor Arthur Vigeant.
The four systems were developed and installed by Solect Energy and procured with a behind-the-meter Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) through the PowerOptions Solar Program. The PPA allows the solar to be installed at the schools at no cost to the City of Marlborough. The electricity generated from the arrays will be purchased and consumed by the schools at a significantly discounted rate versus grid-supplied power.
“Marlborough is demonstrating great environmental leadership with these projects, as an example to other communities and also to their students who will see first-hand the benefits of cleaner, renewable energy,” said Heather Takle, President and CEO of PowerOptions. “Massachusetts has set ambitious carbon emission reduction goals, and the City’s projects move us all one step closer to a greener future.”
“From the start of our engagement with conservation, public works, the mayor’s office, and the school committee, it was clear that the City had a vision to implement solar energy to power its buildings. We’re proud to have developed and installed these projects and will maintain them so they deliver the value as expected” said Matt Shortsleeve, Vice President of Development at Solect Energy.
Since its designation as a “Green Community” by the state of Massachusetts in 2010, the City of Marlborough has been dedicated to making progress to build a greener and more sustainable community. With the addition of solar panels on the four public schools, the City will be increasing the amount of municipal electricity energy usage from solar to 80% (with 60% coming from solar net-metering agreements).
“Massachusetts continues to lead the way towards a more sustainable future and it’s encouraging to see two of the Commonwealth’s top industries, education and clean energy, come together and champion the region’s innovation economy,” said Phil Martin, Vice President, Battery Storage, Enel X North America. “The Marlborough Public Schools solar arrays will help reduce emissions and deliver significant energy cost savings for the school system over the life of the projects, at no up-front cost to the City.”Over the life of the solar systems, the City of Marlborough expects to save approximately $1 million and avoid more than 16,800 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
For more information, please contact Solect Energy at 508-598-3511.
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