MENDON, MA – October 18, 2012 –Bethany Community Church and Hopkinton-based Solect Energy Development have installed a new 180 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy system on the roof of the Mendon, MA, church and school, a project that will help Bethany save significantly on its annual electricity costs. Through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Solect will provide electricity to Bethany at reduced rates.
The Bethany Community Church campus includes a 42,000-square foot worship center with a connecting K-12 school. The 180 kW system installed by Solect will help the church realize a 40% annual savings over its current energy costs. The project includes more than 700 panels on the facility’s roof, producing approximately 200,000 kWhs (kilowatt hours) of electricity per year. Solect managed the project end to end, from an initial feasibility assessment, through the design and engineering stage to installation. Solect will also provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance for the system.
“The agreement we have with Solect allows us to control our costs of electricity and do something good for the environment, without incurring a heavy capital expenditure,” said Bethany Community Church Pastor Philip McCutchen. “It’s a win-win situation for us.”
Bethany’s main interest in solar stemmed from cost savings, as well as from a desire to be better green citizens. “I’ve always believed in solar power and was very excited to be working Solect Energy Development on this project,” McCutchen said.
“We’re very pleased to be working with Bethany Community Church to reduce their energy costs,” said Stephen Bianchi, business development partner at Solect Energy Development. “Non-profit organizations such as churches are not eligible for the federal and state incentives for deploying renewable solar energy solutions, so a Power Purchase Agreement is a great way for them to adopt a solar solution and see immediate savings on the electricity bills. With this installation Bethany will be able to significantly reduce their energy costs and use their savings to fund other projects.”
About Solect Energy Development, LLC
Solect is a full service solar photovoltaic (PV) project developer based in Hopkinton, MA. Solect’s turnkey solutions include: feasibility assessments, financial and incentive modeling, funding options, regulatory expertise, design and engineering, installation, and on-going management and maintenance. The company currently has 10 MW (megawatts) of systems completed and under development, with a primary focus on New England-based commercial, light industrial, and institutional property owners. Visit www.solect.com for more information.
