Ameresco, Clean Energy Collective complete Connecticut’s first community solar project
The first project under Connecticut’s “Shared Clean Energy Facility Pilot Program” has been energized, according to Ameresco. In conjunction with Clean Energy Collective (CEC), the 2 MW community solar project is located on the grounds of the Bloomfield Board of Education. This initial community solar offering allows the option for residents, governments and businesses to choose community solar energy for the first time. The project will allow for a 60 percent off-take in energy demand for the school district, with the remaining capacity available for the residential community.
“This project will bring many benefits to the Bloomfield, CT community, and participants in the array will benefit from Ameresco’s asset ownership experience, as well as CEC’s ability to deliver customer service throughout the length of the program,” said Paul Spencer, Chief Executive Office of Clean Energy Collective. “Launching the first project in Connecticut also enforces our continued commitment to project development across the U.S. and particularly in the northeast.”
Background
This project dates back to 2016, when Bloomfield, Conn.-based CTEC Solar, the primary developer and builder, won the bid from the Town of Bloomfield to develop this land for the town. CTEC brought in CEC to manage the community solar offtake in 2018, managed all permits, town approvals, state approvals, interconnection, procurement and construction. Construction on the array began in early February and was completed by Ameresco in August.
“We are actually in final permitting approvals and just had the system energized last month,” noted Mickey Toro, President of CTEC Solar.
Ameresco, the owner of the project will oversee the operations and maintenance of the site, while CEC will provide customer care services.
“Cities and towns across New England are welcoming solar projects in increasing numbers because of the major positive impact they can have in a community,” said Michael T. Bakas, Executive Vice President of Ameresco. “By tapping into its new source of renewable energy, the Bloomfield Board of Education, along with households and businesses in the surrounding area, will benefit from reduced energy costs and an overall lower carbon footprint.
important facts that are over looked and should be noted .a solar pv system is a generator for electricity rather than a user of electricity the technology from the sun can pay for it self over a time