Project Category: Education

Located in Bristol County, Massachusetts, the Fall River Public Schools (FRPS) District is committed to delivering a comprehensive, high-quality education that empowers students to reach their full potential and become responsible citizens.

Goals and opportunities

The Durfee High School campus was undergoing redevelopment, with sustainability and a net-zero energy goal being key priorities for both the city and the project team. Solect was responsible for planning, designing, engineering, and scheduling the solar component within this large-scale project. The challenge was executing all deliverables while meeting the project manager’s requirements: staying on time, within budget, and fostering effective teamwork.

Solution

As a PowerOptions (PO) member, FRPS collaborated with Solect Energy through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to install a 348.4 kW rooftop solar system. Solect handled the design, financing, installation, and ongoing system maintenance. Additionally, Our team worked on-site with the broader project crew, overseeing electrical engineering, building renovations, electrical infrastructure updates, and beyond. The school district benefits from purchasing the energy generated by the system at a reduced, stable rate for the next 20 years.

Results

Year 1 Forecast Savings: $10,600

The rooftop system has delivered significant financial and environmental benefits. In its first year, the system is expected to save $10,600, and over its 20-year contract, it will save an estimated $522,000. Beyond financial savings, the system will offset 608,000 lbs of carbon annually, leading to a total carbon offset of 5,800 tons over the contract period. This annual carbon offset is equivalent to the emissions from an average gasoline-powered car driving 705,337 miles. Over the entire contract term, the carbon offset is comparable to the annual sequestration of 6,143 acres of U.S. forests.

The Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School District (MTRSD) spans over 250 square miles and serve eight rural towns: Ashfield, Buckland, Charlemont, Colrain, Hawley, Heath, Plainfield, and Shelburne.

Goals and opportunities:

Rising electricity costs put significant pressure on the MTRSD business office to find more affordable energy solutions. As a Massachusetts DOER Green Community, the school district required a solution to enhance the community’s financial and environmental well-being. They contacted PowerOptions (PO) to explore its solar program, and Solect was ready to help them achieve solar success.

Solution

The Energy Committee, Business Office team, PO, and Solect collaborated on this project. Team Solect developed the proposal, engineered the design, and worked closely with staff while engaging the School Committee to review the plan. PO provided contract templates from their solar program, streamlining the contracting process and making it both efficient and cost-effective.

Results

Year 1 projected savings: $31,300

Solect installed the solar system at a competitive PPA rate, covering all project costs, including maintenance, over a 20-year term. The 374.9 kW solar project comprises 781 solar panels across their south-facing metal roofs. In its first year, the system is expected to generate substantial savings of $31,300, with total savings of $796,000 projected over the next 20 years.
The system is projected to offset a staggering 430,000 pounds of carbon in the first year and a total of 8,200,000 pounds of carbon over 20 years.

Located in Middlesex County, within the MetroWest subregion of Greater Boston, the Framingham School District has a rich history, dating back to 1706 when its first schoolmaster was hired, and 1792, with the opening of its first high school.

Goals and opportunities

The Framingham Sustainability, Public Works, and School District departments have collectively set ambitious goals to introduce renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies across all their public buildings. After the successful completion of the new Christa McAuliffe Branch Library, the city engaged Solect Energy through its PowerOptions membership to assess the potential for solar and energy storage projects for the library and its multiple municipal and school properties. As a bustling municipality, Framingham strategically prioritizes projects and initiatives to achieve its sustainability and cost-saving objectives. Its continued collaboration with Solect Energy on additional solar projects reflects its strong commitment to sustainability, decarbonization, and energy efficiency.

Solution

Christa McAuliffe Branch Library

Solect developed the rooftop solar project for the Christa McAuliffe Branch Library by collaborating closely with the library commissioner and the city to optimize the project. During renovations to the library’s stormwater and hardscape infrastructure, Solect provided engineering expertise to design canopy foundations, integrate stormwater attachments, and facilitate upgrading the electrical infrastructure to support a solar parking canopy.

Fuller Middle School

When Framingham began constructing a new elementary school, Solect joined the project team early to align with the design, engineering, and installation schedules. This behind-the-meter (BTM) solar + storage project leverages the SMART incentive program, delivering a significant percentage of the school’s electricity needs while effectively managing building load and participating in utility energy incentive programs. It reduces demand charges and unlocks revenue from demand response and other energy markets.

Results

Year 1 savings generated by the Fuller Middle School Solar projects: $5,700

With a combined system size of 1.75 MW+, an output of 900,000 kWh, and a battery system that generates savings and revenue for the district, these solar energy projects deliver significant financial and environmental benefits. Visitors can charge their EVs and explore the energy storage system up close, experiencing a hands-on ‘energy lab’ environment. The city is also offsetting a significant amount of carbon through these projects. The projects comprise a modern public space with covered parking, EV charging stations, and cutting-edge energy technology, creating a ‘living energy lab’ on the school campus that embodies sustainable innovation.

Located in northern Worcester County, Massachusetts, the Fitchburg Public School district is committed to delivering an engaging and enriching learning experience that prepares students to achieve high academic standards besides intellectual rigor, creative curiosity, and social skills.

Challenge

The district faced several key challenges, including budgetary constraints that limited its ability to maximize savings. Additionally, securing funds for critical capital improvement projects— such as roof replacement and energy efficiency upgrades—posed a significant challenge. Additionally, the district needed to comply with emission-reduction targets that aligned with its broader environmental goals.

The Solution

As a member of PowerOptions (PO), the largest energy-buying consortium in the region, Fitchburg Public Schools leveraged a unique opportunity to address these challenges. Through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Solect Energy, the district adopted a comprehensive, low-risk solution. Solect manages all aspects of the solar project, including development, construction, financing, and ongoing maintenance, allowing the district to focus on its educational mission while benefiting from significant savings and environmental values.

Results

The solar system is projected to save the school district an estimated $760,000 over the 20-year contract term. Beyond the impressive financial benefits, the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) delivers considerable environmental advantages. The rooftop solar installation at Longsjo School is expected to offset 556,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year—equivalent to taking 60 gasoline-powered cars off the road for a whole year.

Explore this video to learn more about Fitchburg School district’s solar success.

Located just 15 miles north of Boston, SSU is one of the largest and most diverse state universities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a vital part of greater Boston’s economic, cultural, and intellectual sphere. Situated in the historic coastal city of Salem, Massachusetts, and spanning over 115 acres and 5 campuses, SSU trains a diverse community of over 9,000 students.

Challenge

Noted for its commitment to academic excellence, civic engagement, and operational efficiency, SSU has established a rich culture of sustainability through its programs. Since 2007, when the university pledged carbon neutrality by 2050, it has made inspiring strides toward its sustainability goals. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 38%, instituting more than 30 sustainability courses across curricula, and divesting from fossil fuels are some of their green initiatives. As it continues its impressive journey to its 2050 goal, the university seeks to incorporate more renewable energy into its campus infrastructure.

Solution

As a longtime member of PowerOptions, the largest energy-buying consortium in New England, SSU was able to take advantage of the organization’s partnership with Solect Energy and install three rooftop solar arrays. The arrays are located atop the Frederick E. Berry Library (175 kW), Marsh Residence Hall (139 kW), and Gassett Fitness Center (100 kW), with the total system size being nearly 415 kW.

Results

The solar arrays are expected to save the university approximately $1 million and avoid 7,000 tons of greenhouse gases over the life of the systems. It will help SSU reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and the financial savings will enable them to make tuition fees more affordable and increase their resources.

Roxbury Latin School was founded in 1645 by Reverend John Eliot. It is the nation’s oldest school that has continued to exist. They are known for their rich educational legacy and robust academic programs that have been paving the way for success for generations of students.

Challenge

Their energy-intensive field house contributed to an ever-increasing energy expenditure that needed to be addressed immediately. The school utilized its large flat roof to install a 137 kW solar project to rein in the mounting energy expenditure and heightened operational costs.

Solution

Roxbury Latin signed a PPA with Solect to install a 137 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy system on the roof of its Albert H. Gordon field house. According to the agreement, Solect sells the produced energy to Roxbury Latin at a reduced rate. The school also has the option to buy the system eventually. The energy generated by the system powers the Gordon Field house and the McNay Wrestling Palaistra, while the excess powers the school’s HVAC system.

Results

$6,500 yearly savings on electricity costs

The school is projected to save nearly $100,000 over the 15-year lease term. They also installed an interactive kiosk that offers live updates on the system’s energy production and weather information obtained via a rooftop weather station.

Pingree School was founded in 1960 and sits on 100 acres of land with a population of 335 students. With the school’s dedication to educational excellence and the environment, Pingree was eager to add solar to the Johnson Rink facility to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability.

Challenge

The Johnson Ice Rink is a prominent name offering robust athletic programs, but the huge amount of electricity consumed by its high-end and cutting-edge equipment concerned the authority.
In fact, the unmanageably mounting energy expenses, among other factors, led the authority to consider shutting down the rink in the summer of 2011.

Solution

Besides our commitment to communities and the environment, we at Solect are happy to help organizations solve critical issues stemming from energy usage and expenses. Solect installed a 227 kW rooftop solar project for the school, helped mitigate their energy costs, and helped them tide over the critical phase where the rink was on the brink of a shutdown. The school signed a PPA with Solect, which gave them access to clean energy at a reduced and stabilized rate for a specified period without warranting any investments.

Results

A 50% reduction in electricity costs

The 770-panel solar project produces over 232,000 kWh of electricity annually — nearly half of the ice rink’s electricity demand. The project supplies clean energy to the rink and helps the school foster sustainable practices.

Stonehill College is a Catholic liberal arts college in Easton, Massachusetts, founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1948. The college is primarily residential, with 2400 students living and learning on Stonehill’s beautiful 384-acre campus. Through its curriculum of liberal arts, sciences, and pre-professional programs, the college provides a remarkable educational program that fosters critical thinking, free inquiry, and the interchange of ideas.

Challenge

Stonehill College prioritizes its commitment to sustainability. As a significant environmental advocate, it uses resources responsibly and makes thorough and sincere efforts to drive a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment. Transitioning to a renewable energy source was part of their efforts to further foster sustainability and environmental health.

Solution

Their project was a result of years of thorough due diligence on solar implementation. Their journey with solar energy started with a couple of small rooftop projects and eventually incorporated large-scale solar fields and carports.

Results

A 40% reduction in electricity costs

With the addition of the new solar canopies, Stonehill College increased the total solar energy production to cover over 40% of the campus’ annual electrical usage while leveraging additional financial benefits and a long-term hedge against rising energy costs.

Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School (UCCT) is a public vocational-technical high school in Bourne, MA. UCCT has 725+ students across 13 areas of vocational courses. The school offers traditional programs in the areas of plumbing, electrical, carpentry, health, information technology, marine services, automotive technology, collision repair, and cosmetology.

Challenge

As a technical school, UCCT had a range of factors boosting its energy expenses which it needed to bring under control. The institution wanted to install its solar project under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to leverage its multifaceted benefits.

Solution

UCCT signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Solect and we turned the massive canopy project into reality. The 663 kW gigantic canopy shares a portion of its produced energy with the town’s Recreational Authority during the school’s relatively slow months through the summer.

Results

The canopy is one of the state’s best and biggest. The enormous structure is visible from Bourne Bridge, the gateway to Cape Cod. Additionally, with the school’s focus on environmental sciences among a range of other scientific and technical areas, the solar carport complements its commitment to environmental well-being.

Lawrence Family Development, Inc. is dedicated to imparting quality education and preparing its students for a brighter future. Its charter school has 720 students from early kindergarten through grade eight, trained with a robust academic program and diverse extracurricular activities.

Challenge

The school launched its new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Center in the fall of 2015, which inspired it to consider solar energy. The school authority partnered with Solect to implement a solar project that offered financial benefits and helped the school demonstrate its environmental stewardship.

Solution

The Lawrence Family Development Charter School solar array was financed and constructed through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Solect and PowerOptions. Solect owns and operates the solar system and sells the power generated back to the school at a reduced and fixed rate for the 20-year agreement period.

Results

A 25% reduction in electricity costs

The arrays cover a quarter of the LFDCS campus’ energy demand while saving nearly $30,000 a year.
The solar project is an addition to their other sustainability initiatives, that include developing a verdant garden on the campus and driving programs to build energy-efficient housing projects across the city of Lawrence.
 

Malden Catholic High School has been training students in a Catholic academic atmosphere for over 80 years. Recognized for its dedicated faculty, enriching curriculum, spiritual guidance, social outreach, and athletic programs, Malden Catholic educates young men from more than 40 communities across the state. A Xaverian Brothers-sponsored School, Malden Catholic is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Challenge

Like many other big schools, Malden Catholic experienced increasing operating expenses, boosted by volatile energy costs, among many other factors. They decided to go solar to reduce their energy expenses and champion environmental wellness.

Solution

Malden Catholic High School signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Solect to build their array. According to the contract, Solect installed and now owns and operates the solar array and sells the power generated back to the organization at a reduced and fixed rate.

Results

A 55% reduction in electricity costs

The solar array has more than halved the school’s energy demand from the grid, insulating them from demand hikes for the decades to come.

Somerset Berkley Regional High School has approximately 990 students, mostly from the Commonwealth’s Somerset and Berkley member towns. The district partnered with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to build an 80-million-dollar new regional high school in 2010, which started operation in September 2014.

Challenge

The district explored ways to reduce operating costs to assign more resources to student welfare and decided to install a solar project to boost its energy savings. With its plan including provisions for a solar system, the building was already equipped with the necessary infrastructure and structural capacity to support a large solar array on the roof. The installation of a solar array, as a result, was comparatively easy.

Solution

The district signed a PPA with Solect, supported by PowerOptions that led Solect to install, own, and operate the solar array on the school’s roof and, in exchange, sell the power generated at a fixed rate for the next 20 years back to the school.

Results

A $19,000 yearly savings on electricity costs

The solar array is expected to cover up to 20% of the school’s annual electricity use and save approximately $19,000 annually on energy expenses.