Roof-top Solar Array Projected to Cover 100% of Non-Profit’s Electricity Needs
April 6, 2018 – BROCKTON, MA – Brockton Area Arc, a non-profit servicing children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has partnered with Solect Energy, the state’s leading commercial-scale developer and installer of solar energy systems, and PowerOptions, the region’s largest energy buying consortium, to install a 76.8 kilowatt (kW) solar energy system on the roof of its facility. The array consists of 200 photovoltaic (PV) panels, which are projected to produce 86,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy annually. The Brockton Area Arc anticipates the array will generate nearly 100 percent of its annual electricity, for a projected yearly savings of more than $15,000.
The Brockton Area Arc serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It offers Family Support, Recreation, Employment, Community Based Day Supports, and Day Habilitation. The yearly $15,000 in anticipated savings from the solar array will be redirected toward expanding programs and services for the Arc community.
The Brockton Area Arc was able to install the solar array with no up-front costs through PowerOptions & Solect’s Solar Program. Under the program, Solect Energy financed, installed, and will service the solar array on their roof, while The Arc receives the power generated at a fixed rate for a period of 20 years under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) negotiated by PowerOptions.
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“When Solect Energy reached out to us about pursuing a solar conversion, switching to renewable energy hadn’t been on our radar,” said John J. Lynch, Executive Director at Brockton Area Arc. “Solect made a compelling argument for the substantial benefits that we would accrue with a commitment to solar. With their proven expertise and excellent customer references, coupled with their relationship with PowerOptions we were confident we were moving forward with the right partner. We have been impressed with both organizations’ professionalism and their shared commitment to local philanthropy.”
“The Brockton Area Arc, although not initially seeking solar, quickly grasped the financial benefits that a solar array, especially one financed through a PPA, offered their organization,” said Chad Couture, Director of Business Development at Solect Energy. “The array will produce nearly 100 percent of their energy needs, which will mean a substantial reduction in their utility expenses. The savings of approximately $15,000 a year will translate into increased funding for the valuable programs they offer to the community.”
“At PowerOptions, our mission is to help nonprofits save time and money on energy, so more resources can be directed toward serving communities,” said PowerOptions President and CEO Cynthia Arcate. “In addition to cost predictability and savings, The Brockton Area Arc implemented their solar project without the need for any up-front costs or on-going maintenance responsibilities.”
About Brockton Area Arc
The Brockton Area Arc is a non-profit local chapter of The Arc, a national advocacy organization, and The Arc Massachusetts. Our mission is to work in partnership with, and for, the community to provide advocacy, information, and direct services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. Our services provide choice and empowerment while supporting individuals as they strive to realize their personal goals. We promote independence, respect, and dignity. We fulfill this mission by advocating on a local, state and national level for the rights and general welfare of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
We rely on fundraising to serve people and provide services not funded by other sources. The Brockton Area Arc is committed to providing individualized quality services in fulfilling its mission. The Brockton Area Arc provides services to the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, E. Bridgewater, Easton, Holbrook, Rockland, Stoughton, W. Bridgewater, and Whitman.
About PowerOptions
PowerOptions is a nonprofit energy buying consortium that delivers cost savings and predictability to nonprofits and the public sector in New England. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, PowerOptions has delivered more than $2 billion in energy to its 500 members since 1998, through programs for electricity, natural gas and solar. With a 95 percent member retention rate, a proven supplier selection process and a dedication to personalized member support, PowerOptions provides services and solutions that educate and bring value to its membership. Any nonprofit or public institution in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut is eligible to participate in this collective purchasing effort. For more information, visit www.poweroptions.org or follow on Twitter at @PowerOptions.
