Solect Energy has completed the installation of three different rooftop solar energy systems totaling over 273 kW in the Town of Winchester, Massachusetts.
The installations are located at the Winchester Vinson Owen School (69 kW), Winchester Department of Public Works (76 kW), and Winchester High School (127 kW) and are owned by Safari Energy. All three systems are behind-the-meter PPAs.
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.
“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 and is expected to save the Town of Winchester approximately $525,000 in their electric savings plus PILOT payments over the next 20 years.
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