Solect Energy completes 300-kW system for Massachusetts middle school
Solect Energy has completed the installation of a 300-kWDC solar energy system on the roof of the Daniel L. Joyce Middle School in Woburn, Massachusetts.
“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 798-panel system will reduce the school’s price per kilowatt-hour for electricity by 64%, 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 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-MW solar farm built on the former land fill has generated over $1.3 million 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 per year in energy savings for the School Department,” said Mayor Scott Galvin.
“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.
