Northeast’s Largest Living-History Museum will Benefit from $1.5M in Energy Savings
Sturbridge, MA - May 2, 2018 – At a celebration that was marked by the contrast of old and new, officials from Old Sturbridge Village Museum (OSV), students from Old Sturbridge Village Academy, and executives from Solect Energy and Green Street Power Partners, LLC (GSPP) participated in a ribbon cutting of a 1.8 MW solar system that powers the Northeast’s largest outdoor living-history museum. The ground mount solar system, consisting of 5,400 photovoltaic (PV) panels, was designed and installed by Solect Energy, the leading commercial-scale developer and installer of solar energy systems in Massachusetts. It is now owned and operated by GSPP. The solar array, made possible through the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”), enables Old Sturbridge Village to reap over $1.5 million in energy savings over the life of the system.
“As we celebrate the savings and benefits of the OSV solar array, we do so against the backdrop of a 19th century village, where thrift and economy were essential to everyday living,” said Scott Howe, Partner and Senior Vice President at Solect. “OSV’s objectives were threefold: deploy solar energy to reduce energy expenses, provide predictable future costs that can be used in annual budgeting and as a hedge against rising energy prices, and finally to take a leadership role in environmental sustainability.”
OSV depicts a working, rural New England town from the 1830s where visitors can interact with costumed staff demonstrating authentic daily life and work activities. Old Sturbridge Academy is a new K-8 public charter school that opened its doors in Sept. 2017. The school is located on OSV’s grounds and emphasizes learning through interdisciplinary group projects. Third grade students were involved in the reception following the ribbon cutting, and taught how solar arrays generate electricity, and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Upon completion of the array, GSPP purchased the project from Solect, and will sell 100% of the power generated to OSV at a fixed rate for a period of 25 years. The system is estimated to produce 2,238,878 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually - enough power to offset roughly 75% of the museum’s annual energy needs. The amount of electricity produced annually by the array is enough to charge 440,640,000 smartphones a year and is equivalent to taking 351 cars off the road each year.
“Old Sturbridge Village is grateful to our many partners, including the town of Sturbridge, who helped to make this solar field a reality. Not only will it substantially reduce the museum’s carbon footprint but it will also reduce our energy costs significantly over the next several years,” said Jim Donahue, President and CEO of OSV. “Conservation was an important part of life in New England in the 1830s so we are especially glad to be able to take such a big step on this front in the 21st century.”
“OSV’s solar project is uniquely influential,” said Scott Kerner, CEO and Co-founder of Green Street Power Partners. “The museum is showing that solar solutions can be crafted for many types of businesses and organizations, especially nonprofits, while also demonstrating that even organizations focused on preserving tradition, are open to embracing new, clean energy sources.”
About Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village, the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast, depicts a rural New England town of the 1830s. Guests are invited into more than 40 original buildings, including homes, meetinghouses, a district school, country store, bank, a working farm, three water-powered mills, and trade shops - all situated on more than 200 scenic acres. Visitors can meet heritage breed farm animals and interact with authentically costumed staff.
About Green Street Power Partners, LLC
Headquartered in Stamford, CT, GSPP finances, develops, owns and operates solar energy systems for businesses, schools and nonprofits throughout the northeast. GSPP continues to experience rapid growth with 40+ megawatts of commercial and community solar projects under management. As they expand their solar coverage, GSPP consistently provides the best available solar technology coupled with an unwavering commitment to customer service. For more information on GSPP, email info@gspp.com or visit greenstreetsolarpower.com.
About Solect Energy
Solect Energy, based in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, is the recognized leader in commercial-scale solar. We develop smart, customized strategies based on a deep assessment of each customer’s energy needs and requirements, then deliver solar design and installation solutions, operations and maintenance services, and the most advanced energy storage systems. Solect offers proven expertise in development, technology, policy, and incentives, as well as individualized financial guidance. Our practical, systematic approach helps businesses and organizations reduce energy costs and optimize their solar investment. To date, Solect has installed over 80 megawatts of commercial PV systems, with a focus on commercial, light industrial, and institutional properties throughout New England and Illinois. For more information, visit http://www.solect.com or follow us on Twitter at @SolectSolar.
