FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2018
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Geoff Martin, Hartford Energy Coordinator, (802) 295-9353, gmartin@hartford-vt.org
Steve Snyder, Norwich Solar, (802) 359-7406, steve.Snyder@norwichsolar.com
Town of Hartford Completes Two Solar Projects with Norwich Solar
Hartford, VT – The Town of Hartford, Vermont, commissioned two rooftop solar projects on Town buildings in February 2018 and will see long-term savings and energy price stability. Norwich Solar of White River Junction, Vermont, installed a 98-kilowatt DC, net-metered solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the rooftop of the Town’s Wastewater Treatment Plant as well as a 37-kilowatt DC system on the Public Works building.
Anticipated production for the Wastewater Treatment Plant system is 101,300 kWh in year one, with approximately $7,000 in first-year energy savings. The Public Works Building system is expected to produce 46,340 kWh in the first year. Additionally, the system owner will pay property taxes on the arrays, providing the town additional revenue over the life of the system.
Geoff Martin, Energy Coordinator for the Town of Hartford said, “The Town of Hartford is very excited to host two new solar projects on town facilities. Working with Norwich Solar, the town was able to take advantage of a very small window of opportunity and install these systems before their permits expired. The White River Junction Wastewater and Public Works solar projects will save Hartford around $10,000 every year on its energy bills for at least the next 25 years.”
“In addition, the town retains all of the environmental attributes of the projects, meaning the town is using clean, renewable, local energy to power a portion of its operations and moving the municipality closer to its renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions goals, Martin said.”
Jim Merriam, CEO of Norwich Solar said, “The residents of Hartford are fortunate to have a forward-looking town government that takes its fiscal and environmental responsibilities seriously. By lowering the Town’s electric bills and keeping energy dollars local, these two projects are a win for all residents of Hartford. Norwich Solar is grateful to work with towns, schools, businesses, and citizens that follow these opportunities to do good.”
Hartford Solar Project Summary
The Town of Hartford, Vermont, hosts the solar projects on the roofs of their Wastewater Treatment Plant and Public Works Building and will receive all of the Renewable Energy Certificates from the project, so Hartford is using clean, renewable energy and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions as a result.
As is typical of municipal solar energy development, the Town of Hartford was unable to directly receive the benefit of the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), making the Solar Service Agreement an effective financing solution. In a Solar Services Agreement, the system purchaser uses their tax equity position to leverage the 30% ITC and other tax benefits and incentives to own the system and share the savings through a discounted energy rate to the Town. At various predetermined times during the contract, the Town of Hartford has the option to purchase the system at significant savings at the then fair market value.
Norwich Solar provided full scope Engineering, Procurement and Construction. The company also worked directly with town administrators and Select Board members from initial, conceptual planning stages through final installation. They played a key role in securing a solar investor, incentives, and working with the local utility to ensure optimal production and return on investment. Norwich Solar will also perform all operation and maintenance of the system.
About Hartford, Vermont
The Town of Hartford is located in Windsor County, Vermont, in the Connecticut River Valley and includes the villages of Quechee, Wilder, White River Junction, West Hartford and Hartford Village. The Hartford Energy Commission was established in 2007 to focus on energy for the town. Among the goals of the Energy Commission are to ensure that energy supplies will be reliable, affordable and environmentally sound, and to promote the development of local renewable resources as a replacement for imported nonrenewable resources.
About Norwich Solar
Norwich Solar provides comprehensive turnkey services to commercial solar electric customers including Development, Design, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Power Purchase Agreements, Structured Financial Solutions, and Long-Term Operations and Maintenance. Norwich Solar is now a leading developer of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Vermont for municipalities, schools and nonprofits.
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