Situated in northeastern Massachusetts along the banks of the Merrimack River, the City of Haverhill is one of the state’s oldest historic communities. Spanning nearly 36 square miles, Haverhill encompasses a diverse landscape that includes rural, agricultural, and urban regions, including the city’s historic industrial center.
Challenge
The municipality of Haverhill sought a solution to lower its energy expenses and enhance fiscal management. After deliberation, they explored the implementation of solar energy to tackle the escalating energy costs and showcase their dedication to sustainability and environmental well-being.
Solution
The town’s governing body collaborated with Solect to install a 540-panel system on the roof of their municipal building, a project that very soon proved to be impactful.
Results
$22,000 yearly savings on electricity costs
The City of Haverhill and Solect signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) facilitated by PowerOptions. Haverhill’s yearly energy expenses generally amount to around $105,500. Following the installation of the rooftop arrays, the city anticipates an annual savings of approximately $22,000.
The Marathon Elementary School in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, part of the Hopkinton Public School District, aims to create a positive and secure learning environment for holistic student development.
Challenge:
The Hopkinton Public School District aimed to trim its annual utility budget, which surpassed one million dollars, and prioritize environmentally sustainable practices.
Solution:
The district partnered with Solect Energy to install a 260 kW rooftop solar system on the newly built Marathon Elementary School. This expansion, facilitated through a cost-free Power Purchase Agreement, elevated the school’s total energy production capacity to 318.7 kW, complementing an existing solar system. Additionally, the integration of a 222 kWh Tesla Powerpack battery further bolstered savings.
Results:
$35,000 in annual savings
This solar-plus-storage project is set to cut the school’s energy expenses by 75%, resulting in approximately $35,000 in annual savings with no initial costs. Over the system’s lifespan, the district expects to save nearly $1 million. This initiative stands as one of Massachusetts’ pioneering solar-plus-storage installations funded through a no-cost shared savings agreement.
The Town of Coventry is noted for its sustainability projects and initiatives. They set an example by switching to solar energy for their constituents and beyond and keep contributing to environmental betterment.
Challenge
The town was interested in switching to solar energy but lacked the financial resources to take a significant step toward a major energy transition. Their sincere interest and diligent research didn’t allow any obstacles to stand in their way. Their solar project materialized smoothly thanks to a grant application and a favorable PPA structure.
Solution
The project received a grant from the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), making the project financially feasible.
Results
A 33% reduction in electricity costs
The system has been able to offset nearly one-third of the municipal building’s energy costs without the town having to invest even a nominal amount in installing the project.
Fitchburg Public Schools are known for fostering high academic standards and preparing students to achieve greater educational goals. The district’s Reingold Elementary School educates nearly 677 students, from pre-kindergarten to grade four.
Challenge
Regarded as one of the country’s best states for education, Massachusetts’ public schools often find the budget impacted by energy expenses, among other factors, as the state’s energy costs are also among the country’s highest. As a result, educational institutions are considering solar implementation to gain robust and effective protection against volatile energy rates and create additional room in the budget for further infrastructural development and beyond.
Solution
Following a roof-replacement project, the elementary school actively explored the option of implementing solar. As a PowerOptions member since 2004, Fitchburg Public Schools participated in the PowerOptions Solar Program, which facilitated their transition to solar and paved the way for them to achieve further financial benefits and more.
Results
$40,000 yearly savings on electricity costs
The solar arrays at Reingold Elementary and Memorial Middle School were financed and constructed through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Solect, powered by the PowerOptions Solar Program. According to the agreement, Solect owns and operates the solar arrays and sells the power generated back to the school at a reduced, fixed rate for a stipulated period (in this case, 20 years). With the array installed, the Reingold Elementary School’s energy costs have been reduced by more than $40,000 annually.
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.
Challenge
US cities and towns strive to maximize their budget utilization to deliver the best possible services and support for their residents. The City of Medford, known for its diligence and success, retrofitted its then-recently built DPW facility with a solar energy system.
Solution
The city of Medford leveraged its relationship with PowerOptions and signed a PPA with Solect Energy to install a no-cost solar array on their facility. According to the contract, Solect installed, owns, and maintains the solar project and sells the power produced to the town at a fixed and reduced rate.
Results
An $11,000 annual reduction in electricity costs
The array is estimated to cover approximately 100% of the DPW’s energy needs and generate $275,000 in savings over the 25-year agreement period.
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