The next big thing in solar energy is here: community solar (CS)
First of all, CS, or a solar garden, is a solar electric array that has multiple subscribers who connect to one utility grid. This is a new way for multiple users to have access to solar energy, without the installation of solar panels on one’s home or business. Enercore, along with SunEdison, is currently offering solar garden access to residents living in various areas of Massachusetts, with plans to expand to other states this year.
This month marks the near completion of two solar gardens by Enercore and SunEdison, Inc. (SUNE) located in Foxborough and Hopkinton, Massachusetts. SunEdison is currently building solar gardens all across Massachusetts. That’s with the town of Foxborough hosting the first 2.7 megawatt project. Each solar garden will be able to service numerous counties, in that area. All with solar energy.
Most interestingly, CS, or a solar garden, is a solar electric array that has multiple subscribers. Those who connect to one utility grid. Think of a community garden. In a community garden, participants share patches of land for gardening purposes. A solar garden has a similar concept. Although subscribers purchase/lease panels in a particular array.
So they receive a credit on their electric bill for the power those panels produce.
So, community solar in Hopkinton and Foxborough is currently being offered to residences, local businesses, non-profits, and other organizations. In addition, community solar is ideal for individuals who may lease a property. So if you are unable to install rooftop solar. Moreover, community solar allows for every individual to have access to solar energy.
The community solar garden in Foxborough is expected to generate enough energy to supply more than 320 homes with energy. This solar garden eliminates the emission of more than five million pounds of carbon dioxide a year. This is the equivalent of taking roughly 500 cars off the road in a year. Homeowners can currently also receive up to a 10 percent discount on their utility bill when they sign up. I mean for an array in the solar gardens of Foxborough or Hopkinton. Some counties that can currently benefit from the use of the solar garden in Foxborough are Bristol, Barnstable, Worcester, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Nantucket.
“Community solar is a game changer,” said William Keegan, Foxborough’s town manager. “By going solar, we’re saving taxpayers money and bringing economic activity and cleaner air to the community. We are pleased to be able to partner with SunEdison as they enter the Massachusetts community solar market.”
Enercore, in conjunction with SunEdison, will begin building and selling community solar projects throughout the great state of Massachusetts starting as early as March. The towns of Kingston, Haverhill, Spencer, East Hampton, and Holland are just a few of the places that will benefit from the building of community solar gardens. For more information on Enercore’s current and upcoming community solar projects, please visit our website.
“We are thrilled to be part of the game changer that is community solar,” says President of Enercore, Scott Reynolds. “We at Enercore believe that community solar is the future of solar energy. It can provide individuals, who might not normally have access, to clean energy that will save them money, while helping to make the world a healthier place.”
In addition, Enercore is throughout California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts. The company will also increase rooftop solar services to additional states throughout the year. Throughout the U.S., more than 750,000 homes and business rely solely on solar energy, and that number continues to grow exponentially every year.
The mission of Enercore is to provide homeowners, business owners, and communities with clean and affordable renewable solar power solutions. The organization provides parts, structural design, and installation services for solar projects. Enercore also wants to encourage individuals to turn to clean, solar energy in an effort to help the environment and save money. Solar power technology can help individuals save money on monthly electric bills. Locked in rates and numerous tax initiatives make switching to solar power a cost saving decision for home and business owners.
For individuals who do not own homes or cannot commit to rooftop solar power, Enercore offers community solar. Community solar is a shared renewable energy arrangement that allows several customers to share the benefits of a local renewable power plant, which is typically public property. Community solar is currently offered in New Jersey and Massachusetts. By Q2 it should be offered in New York and Minnesota. Enercore is planning on adding community solar programs to multiple states through out the remainder of 2016.
“Here at Enercore, we believe that through providing people with the proper education about what solar solutions are available, we can help homeowners save thousands on their utility bills,” says President of Enercore, Scott Reynolds. “We have made substantial capital investments to ensure rapid growth, and positioned ourselves as a leader, with Sun Edison, in providing solar solutions across the U.S. in 2016.”
Source: Enercore, Las Vegas, NV, February 19, 2016
