Solar Panels, 800.292.7648
• 2008-Mar-4 - Massachussetts Solar Panels
WESTBORO— It’s not hard to convince people of the merits of clean energy. But making the transition to clean energy sources can be complicated and expensive, especially for nonprofit businesses.
A conference about solar power at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative in Westboro last week tried to make that process a little simpler. Presenters sought to persuade schools, colleges, health care facilities and other nonprofits that switching to solar is feasible and affordable.
“They embrace clean energy,” said Jon Abe, a senior project manager at MTC, but the cost of installing clean-energy systems can be a significant challenge.
The workshop aimed to introduce solar technology to those unfamiliar with it, explain the project development process and offer several financing options.
Nonprofit businesses can choose to purchase a solar power system outright, but that tends to be pricey. Another option is power purchase agreements, contracts that allow nonprofits to install a system without a down payment, according to Ned Chaney, business director for American Capital Energy.
The message was aimed in part at public school systems, such as Westboro’s. Here, school officials are considering installing photovoltaic solar panels on school rooftops.
Daniel Hendricks, director of business and administration for Westboro schools, said in a recent interview that school buildings have a lot of roof space, and solar panels are one option the town should consider.
Mr. Hendricks said National Grid is conducting an audit of the schools that will help determine how to make the buildings more energy-efficient. The audit is still months from completion.
At the end of the year, when Westboro’s contract with National Grid expires, the town’s electricity costs are expected to jump as much as 80 percent. The town currently pays 5.8 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Samuel J. Nutter, senior project manager for MTC’s Green Buildings and Infrastructure program, said after the conference that he is scheduled to tour the high school and middle school in Westboro within the next few weeks. A solar system for one of those schools could be as big as 4,000 square feet, and would generate power to be used just by that building.
But right now, that kind of system is little more than a thought. “We have a lot of homework to do,” Mr. Nutter said.
Mr. Nutter works mainly with schools in construction or renovation. He is working with the new North High School in Worcester to make it an energy-efficient “green school.” Most — but not all — green buildings include solar systems, Mr. Nutter said.
MTC offers various grants and rebates for businesses and residents who pursue green projects.
“These are capital-intensive,” Mr. Nutter said. “Our rebates are designed to lower those costs.”
North High School is likely to receive a grant to aid its green construction, he said.
MTC has helped Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School install a solar system; it also is working with Ashland High School and Newton North High School.
At the conference, Joseph A. Soares, senior power supply planner for the Cape Light Compact, explained how two years ago, 21 towns on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard were able to pool resources and install solar panels in each town. To finance the project, Mr. Soares and others persuaded 3 percent of Cape and Vineyard residents to pay a slightly higher premium — about $4 to $8 more per month — on their electric bills. MTC provided additional funds.
Now most school buildings in the area have a rooftop solar panel, which are cost- and energy-efficient, and a great tool for children to learn about renewable energy, Mr. Soares said.
He encouraged other communities to undertake the same kind of project.
“The towns will reap the benefits for however long the panels last — 20 to 30 years,” he said. “Worcester could do it as well.”
More information about solar power and financing options is available at MTC’s Web site, www.masstech.org/solar. |
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