Solar Installations at Marlborough Public Schools Generate Electricity Savings

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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Governor Baker Signs Landmark Climate Legislation into Law

On Friday, March 26, Massachusetts took a major step forward in the fight against climate change when Governor Charlie Baker signed S-9, An Act Creating a Next Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy into law. It is the most far-reaching climate legislation since the Green Communities Acts of 2008 and sets the Commonwealth on its goal to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.  The Act addresses a wide range of climate issues from the three main sources of greenhouse gas pollution: energy generation, transportation, and buildings.

The new policy is revolutionary and sets Massachusetts on track to achieve some very ambitious climate goals, including, but not limited to:

  1. Increases Massachusetts’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by 3% per year from 2025-2029
  2. Removes net metering caps on 25kW-2MW systems
  3. Requires Municipal Light Departments to procure 50% of its power generated from renewable energy sources by 2030
  4. Calls for consistent property tax guidelines for solar projects
  5. Procures an additional 2,400 Megawatts (MW) of new offshore wind energy by 2027
  6. Prioritizes and provides more equitable access to renewable energy and industry job training for environmental justice populations
  7. Commits $12 million in annual funding for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for the development of green jobs
  8. Establishes home appliance energy efficiency and new building construction standards

Regulators from multiple agencies will now establish and implement regulations and guidelines to carry out the new laws and targets set forth by this Act.

For the business community, cities, towns, school districts, and nonprofits, one of the biggest opportunities this new law presents is greater access to low-cost renewable energy. Onsite solar and energy storage, or offsite projects that provide SMART Alternative On-Bill Credits (AOBCs) or net metering credits, are viable and now more broadly available throughout the Commonwealth.

CEO and Co-Founder of Solect Energy Ken Driscoll thanks the legislature and all of the renewable energy advocates who crafted this bill, as well as commends Governor Charlie Baker for signing this landmark climate Act, saying, “This is a revolutionary piece of legislation that prioritizes transitioning to renewable energy sources, like solar and energy storage technology, and requires the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It is one of the most ambitious climate bills I’ve seen, and it truly shows the state’s commitment to the health, safety, and future of those in Massachusetts.”

Town of Winchester Takes Action Against Climate Change, Installing Three New Solar PV Systems with Solect Energy

WINCHESTER, Mass., Mar. 23, 2021 – Solect Energy has completed the installation of three different rooftop solar energy systems totaling over 273 kW in the Town of Winchester, Town Manager Lisa Wong announced today.

The installations are located at the Winchester Vinson Owen School (69kW DC), Winchester Department of Public Works (76kW DC), and Winchester High School (127kW DC) and are owned by Safari Energy. All three systems are behind-the-meter Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), which means that the Town consumes the energy generated at the building, and instead of purchasing the systems, it purchases the solar energy at a low, fixed-rate, displacing a portion of electricity delivered by the utility.

Commercial Solar PV Systems - Winchester, MA Commercial Solar PV Systems - Winchester, MA Commercial Solar PV Systems - Winchester, MA

Like dozens of other Solect PPA Customers, the Town of Winchester became a member of PowerOptions, New England’s largest energy-buying consortium, to leverage its Solar and Storage Program procurement. Through the program, the town was able to contract the three solar PPAs without having to conduct a separate bid.  Rather, the Town utilized the PowerOptions Solar Program with Solect Energy, saving significant time and effort and resulting in considerable savings for the Town.

“The Town of Winchester wanted to add rooftop solar arrays to suitable town and school buildings to put our Climate Action Plan into action and also reduce energy costs. It was challenging to balance the sustainability goals with operations and maintenance needs. Solect listened and partnered with town officials and multiple-member committees with expertise, patience, and creativity. As the town identifies other locations for solar projects, Solect would be on our list to work with again,” said Susan Verdicchio, former School Committee Chair and current Select Board member for the Town of Winchester.

The installation of the solar systems is just one of the many things the Town of Winchester is doing to continue its long history of environmental activism and community betterment. Since 2010, Winchester has been a designated Green Community and dedicatedly taken actions to become more energy-efficient, reduce its carbon footprint, and fight climate change, including:

  • Subscribing to Community Solar
  • Becoming a Lead by Example Community
  • Joining the MASSCEC Heat Smart Program
  • Passing a Climate Action Plan this past June, which seeks to reduce carbon pollution and enhance community resilience.

“The Town of Winchester’s commitment to going green is truly inspiring. The three solar systems that Solect installed will not only further their efforts, but it will provide substantial savings on their utility bills and serve as an excellent educational tool for students and the community,” said Solect Energy’s Vice President of Development Matt Shortsleeve.

The rooftop arrays will produce approximately 3,000 MWh expected to save the Town of Winchester approximately $525,000 in their electric savings plus PILOT payments over the next 20 years.

Together, Solect Energy and PowerOptions have reduced energy costs with over 80 solar or solar + energy storage projects to serve PowerOptions members including cities, towns, schools, state agencies, and nonprofits across Massachusetts.

 

About PowerOptions

Established in 1998, PowerOptions is New England’s largest non-profit consortium for energy and sustainability, helping nonprofits and the public sector achieve energy cost savings and environmental goals. With more than 450 members, we leverage our collective strength to negotiate extremely favorable energy supply and services. As a nonprofit, PowerOptions’ mission is to save our members time and money, and any nonprofit or public entity is eligible to join and benefit from programs for electricity & natural gas supply, solar & renewables, and electric transportation & sustainability planning. For more information, go to www.poweroptions.org.

About Solect Energy

Solect Energy of Hopkinton, Mass., is the tenth-largest commercial solar developer in the country. Solect helps commercial and industrial businesses, state government, cities and towns, and nonprofits in New England transform the way they manage and optimize energy. The company’s services include solar financing, design, engineering, installation, operations and maintenance, 24/7 system monitoring, and utility bill monitoring. Products include rooftop and canopy solar energy systems, and solar energy storage systems that can provide electricity during power outages, and the ability to use stored solar when utility prices are at a premium. Solect was founded in 2009 and employs 70 people.

About Safari Energy

Safari Energy, LLC is the solar partner of choice for commercial and industrial customers, real estate owners, public sector organizations and solar developers seeking competitive financial solutions for their projects. Headquartered in New York City, Safari Energy has helped customers unlock enormous economic value and drive significant energy savings by developing hundreds of solar energy projects from Massachusetts to Hawaii. With extensive interdisciplinary expertise, Safari supports the growth of distributed energy resources and PPL Corporation’s focus on advancing a sustainable energy future. www.safarienergy.com

Congress Extends 26% Investment Tax Credit

As of December 21, 2020, Congress passed a federal spending package that extended the 26% solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for two years. Originally, the ITC was set to step down on the first of January 2021 from 26% to 22%, posing a significant 4% drop in tax incentives for those considering investing in solar. The extension of the ITC demonstrates a bipartisan willingness and commitment to providing relief to Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic and aid in the stabilization of the economy through clean energy and renewables.

Investment Tax Credit Extension

Chief Development Officer and Co-Founder of Solect Energy Craig Huntley sees this as an encouraging step in the future of clean energy, saying “Congress’s decision to extend the 26% tax credit for solar and renewable projects is promising and highlights the U.S.’s ever-growing demand for sustainable, cost-effective energy sources. I believe that by incentivizing Americans to invest in green energy, while also providing much-needed economic relief during this difficult time provides a great opportunity to expand jobs, improve savings, and provide a better environment for everyone.”

Included in the recently approved federal spending package is the Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act, which for the next five years will provide meaningful funding to serve as the impetus for the expansion of energy storage research and development.

WOBURN CONTINUES TO BE LEADER IN GREEN ENERGY PRODUCTION—NEW SOLAR SYSTEM ON JOYCE MIDDLE SCHOOL TO SAVE THE CITY $29,000 A YEAR

WOBURN, Mass., Oct. 16, 2019 – Solect Energy has completed the installation of a 300-kilowatt (kW) DC solar energy system on the roof of the Daniel L. Joyce Middle School at 55 Locust Street, Woburn Mayor Scott Galvin announced today.

The 798-panel system will reduce the school’s price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electricity by 64 percent, saving approximately $29,000 in the first year. Over the life of the contract, electric bill savings are projected to be at least $500,000, based on current Eversource electricity rates. If the utility’s rates rise, the savings to the school increase.

 

 

The renewable energy system will reduce air pollution by avoiding the emission of 580,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air per year. Over 20 years, the avoided CO2 emissions equate to that of driving a car 13,450,000 miles.

The Joyce Middle School solar energy system is the first of three the City is installing on local schools with Solect Energy, under the PowerOptions consortium program. Solar panels will also be installed on the Hurld-Wyman Elementary School and the Goodyear Elementary School. The solar panels will produce clean energy, which will be used right at the site to power the schools.

“The City of Woburn is a designated Green Community and we have undertaken ambitious energy efficiency measures, saving money for the City and reducing our carbon footprint. We are already enjoying substantial savings as a result of two recently completed solar array projects. The hugely successful 3.4 Mega Watt (MW) solar farm built on the former land fill has generated over $1.3 in net metering revenue for the city over the last two years. In addition, our 260 kW solar system on the Kennedy Middle School roof has generated over $30,000 / year in energy savings for the School Department,” said Mayor Scott Galvin.

 

Commercial Solar System - Joyce Middle School

 

“Every dollar saved on our electric bills is a dollar we can apply to students, which was a major factor in the decision to go solar. But we benefit from this renewable energy system academically, too. Solect Energy’s web-based monitoring application will be used by teachers as part of our STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) curriculum,” said Woburn Public Schools Superintendent Matthew Crowley, Ph.D.

“The City of Woburn is a long-time member of PowerOptions, and we are proud that they’ve turned to us again for their solar needs. Our mission is to help communities save time and money on energy, so more resources can be directed toward serving the public. With our program, Woburn sees the full benefits of state and federal incentives through their lower price—a win for students, teachers and community members,” said PowerOptions CEO Cynthia A. Arcate.

“The City of Woburn shows great leadership in recognizing that solar is an easy way to save money that can then be redirected to more important uses. Mayor Galvin and Superintendent Crowley also realized some time ago that solar is a fast way to achieve those savings, thanks to the efficiency of contracting through the PowerOptions Solar Program with Solect,” said Solect Energy CEO Ken Driscoll.

Together, Solect Energy and PowerOptions have reduced energy costs for more than 60 government agencies, cities, towns, schools and nonprofits across Massachusetts.

 

About PowerOptions

Established in 1998, PowerOptions is a nonprofit energy buying consortium that delivers cost savings and predictability to nonprofits and the public sector in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. With more than 400 members, collective strength yields optimal pricing and stability for the entire membership of organizations both large and small. Any nonprofit or public entity is eligible to join PowerOptions and benefit from programs for electricity supply, natural gas supply, solar and electric vehicle charging stations. For more information, go to www.poweroptions.org.

About Solect Energy

Solect Energy of Hopkinton, Mass., is the tenth-largest commercial solar developer in the country. Solect helps commercial and industrial businesses, state government, cities and towns, and nonprofits in New England and Illinois transform the way they manage and optimize energy. The company’s services include solar financing, design, engineering, installation, operations and maintenance, 24/7 system monitoring, and utility bill monitoring. Products include rooftop and canopy solar energy systems, and solar energy storage systems that provide electricity during power outages, and the ability to use stored solar when utility prices are at a premium. Solect was founded in 2009 and employs 70 people.

Tufts Adds New Solar Energy Systems, Expands Its Commitment Clean Energy

Tufts adds new solar energy systems, expands its commitment to clean energy. A new roof-mounted solar photovoltaic installation on Lewis Hall located on the Medford/Somerville campus of Tufts University is expected to save the university thousands of dollars over the next 20 years and reduce its carbon footprint.

Solect Energy Awarded Competitive RFP Contract with the City of Medford for a Microgrid Energy Management System

Solar PV System, Energy Storage System and Generator will Provide Medford DPW  with Highly Efficient and Resilient Operations

 

Medford, MA – Solect Energy, the state’s leading commercial-scale developer and installer of solar energy systems, announced today that they have been awarded a competitive RFP contract to engineer, procure, install, and service a microgrid energy management system at the City’s Department of Public Works (DPW). The system includes a 235kW PV solar array which has already been installed by Solect through their partnership with PowerOptions, an 100kW/255kWh NEC Distributed Storage Solution (DSS) and an emergency generator.

The City of Medford applied for and was awarded a MA Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Community Clean Energy Resiliency Initiative Grant of $833,000. The grant funds the comprehensive microgrid and energy storage system demonstration project, and is one of several that the Commonwealth is supporting to prove the value of distributed renewable energy technologies for municipal preparedness in extreme conditions. The project will result in a resilient and highly efficient operations center to serve the City and its residents in any conditions, including loss of grid power.   

“Solect’s Microgrid RFP was strong and compelling, and they were extremely helpful with each step of the way from the proposal, installation of the PV system to the DOER grant extension,” said Mayor Stephanie M. Burke. “The microgrid system will enable us to make great strides in our goal of highly efficient, resilient buildings. We look forward to collaborating with Solect on this project and demonstrating to the Commonwealth and the citizens of the City of Medford, the value of distributed renewable energy systems.”

An added benefit of the microgrid’s solar + storage combination, is the ability to lower expensive demand charges.  Demand charges are based on a customer’s monthly peak load, and in many cases [in Massachusetts] can account for up to 70% of a commercial customer’s electricity bill. In addition, the City can take full advantage of the storage capacity to more effectively participate in a range of Demand Response programs to further reduce operating expenses.

“We salute Mayor Burke, Alicia Hunt and the City of Medford for the attention and emphasis they are placing on resiliency planning for their city buildings and harnessing solar plus storage to deliver high efficiency, energy stability and cost savings,” said Kenneth Driscoll, President and CEO at Solect Energy.  “We applaud their vision and have high expectations that the system will deliver on those goals, while also allowing the City to reduce their expenses over the next twenty years.”

 

About the City of Medford

Founded in 1630, Medford is the fourth oldest English settlement in America. Established as a City in 1892, Medford is one of the oldest settlements in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the US.

Medford was a leader in the Clipper Ship building industry and manufactured brick and tile. In addition, Medford was famous for its “Medford Rum” and “Medford Crackers.” Revolutionary war patriot Sarah Bradlee Fulton lived here. General George Washington visited here during the Revolutionary War, while Paul Revere came through on his famous ride, waking up Medford residents with “the British are coming!” Medford is also the home to abolitionists Prince Hall and Lydia Maria Child, cooking school founder Fannie Farmer, General Samuel Lawrence, who fought at the battle of Bull Run, and former Massachusetts Governor John Brooks. The Christmas Song “Jingle Bells” was written here by James Pierpont.

The name Medford is thought to have come from “the ford by the meadow” or “Medford” thus commemorating the importance of the fordable part of the Mystic River located just west of present-day Medford Square.

The original area of Medford was owned by Mathew Cradock, the first Governor of the Massachusetts colonies. Although Cradock never saw it, he employed men to develop his land into a plantation. After his death, the plantation passed to his heirs and then was sold en masse in 1652 to Edward Collins. The area was designated a “peculiar” which signified that it was private property and not a properly incorporated town. Collins began selling pieces of land to others after 1656. In 1684, Medford was granted the right to raise its own money by the General Court. For more information, visit www.medford-ma.gov or follow us on Twitter at @MedfordMass or @GoGreenMedford.