Solect - Clean Energy...Today

217 KW Solar System will be one of the largest of its kind on the South Shore

NORWELL, MA — American Plumbing & Heating, one of the largest commercial plumbing and fire protection contractors in Massachusetts, has commissioned Solect Energy Development, LLC, to deploy a 217 KW solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy system atop its headquarters in Norwell, MA. The system is one of the largest solar projects on the South Shore to date.

American, which oversees the design and construction of piping projects for universities, medical institutions, sports venues, biotech, pharmaceutical companies, and other prominent New England businesses, will offset 100 percent of its electricity usage at its 43,000-square-foot facility via solar.

“American Plumbing & Heating has the foresight and ideal building for solar, and we’re very interested in lowering our operational costs,” said Joseph F. Clancy, president of American Plumbing & Heating.  “The green benefits plus the financial incentives make the decision to invest in solar a no brainer.”

American is able to take advantage of attractive state and federal tax incentives that help make renewable energy projects affordable for building owners. These include SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates), which are earned by solar system owners based on the amount of energy they generate via solar. SRECs are ultimately purchased by electricity providers in Massachusetts to help meet their state-mandated goals of a percentage of power coming from solar.  This is a good revenue stream for those property owners deploying solar solutions.

“With this solar project, American Plumbing & Heating is taking a leadership role amongst businesses on the South Shore, where solar installations have been slower than the rest of the state,” said Ken Driscoll, principal at Solect. “American understands both the financial and the ‘green’ benefits of solar energy, and is demonstrating their commitment to the environment, and to their employees, partners and clients.”

“Solect did a good job of showing us very early in the process how this solar project will not only eliminate our electricity costs, but also generate revenue,” said Clancy. “That sealed the deal for us.”

This is just the latest step APH is taking toward being an environmentally responsible green company. In addition to recycling 100% of their paper, cardboard and plastic waste, they have also incorporated several other energy- and water-saving solutions. All of the bathroom fixtures in the building are electronic actuated with low-flow design and all offices are equipped with occupancy sensors to control lighting. The warehouse lighting was recently upgraded with individual occupancy sensors, and energy-efficient high output lamping.

“Joe Clancy was very open-minded from the start and eager to learn more about solar and how it could benefit his business,” said Paula Gibson, South Shore Business Developer for Solect. “Other successful business owners of large scale commercial buildings can learn a lot from this installation.”

Second phase of project will deploy 1 MW land-based system in Southborough, MA

SOUTHBOROUGH, MA – Capital Group Properties, a property management and real estate development firm, has selected Solect Energy Development to roll out renewable solar energy systems across its portfolio of properties in the MetroWest Boston area. One of the projects is the largest of its kind to date in the MetroWest area.

Motivated by its desire to help the environment, control facility and tenant costs, and by the availability of attractive state and federal incentive programs, Capital Group Properties is following through on one of its guiding principles to “Conserve energy and protect the environment in our building practices,” said Bill Depietri, principal at Capital Group Properties.

The project’s first installation was at the company’s office and light industrial location at 100 Discovery Way in Acton. The property now has a new roof and is powered with a 140 KW solar photovoltaic (PV) electric solution. Solect worked with the team at Capital to develop the system to meet its need of reducing common property costs, such as parking lot lights. Capital owns the solar system, which is connected to their “house” electric meter at 100 Discovery Way. The company uses Net Metering – i.e., receiving “credit” for electricity generated in excess of what is consumed — to offset their total common costs and some tenant use.

“We chose Solect due to their approach in understanding our property management needs and leveraged their solar expertise to help pull together a clean energy solution that met our operational and financial requirement,” said Doug Freeman, principal at Capital Group Properties.

The next phase for Capital involves a project approximately seven times the size of the one in Acton; at 1 megawatts, the land-based system at 150 Cordaville Rd. in Southborough, MA (near the intersections of Routes 9 and 85) will be the largest such system in the MetroWest area.

Capital intends to cover 100% of the local common area electric usage at 150 Cordaville Rd., and the excess generation will be used to satisfy the common area electrical costs at other buildings in the Capital Group portfolio. The company is using an approved process that allows a solar system owner to produce electricity at one location and virtually transfer the benefit of the production to another location under common ownership.

“Capital Group Properties is creating a model which other property management firms and property owners can embrace,” said Jim Dumas, principal at Solect Energy Development. “Their commitment toward protecting the environment by using renewable solar energy is commendable. And because they were able to take advantage of federal and state incentives, a project of this size became financially and operationally feasible as well.”

The Southborough project has been worked on collaboratively with several Town of Southborough departments, including the Conservation Commission, Assessor’s Office, and Building Department, as well as the National Grid engineering team, to arrive at a technically and environmentally sound solution. Slated to break ground this spring with approximately 4,000 panels installed over 5 acres, the system will produce enough electricity to power close to 150 homes and equal the carbon sequestered from approximately 20,000 trees grown for 10 years.

Solar PV systems in Marlborough, Norfolk to significantly reduce electric costs for indoor/outdoor sporting complexes

MARLBORO, MA – Fore Kicks, which owns two of the largest indoor/outdoor sporting complexes in Massachusetts, has signed with Solect Energy Development LLC to deploy solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy systems in its Norfolk and Marlborough, MA, locations. The systems together total nearly 600 KW of electricity and will power close to 100% of Fore Kicks annual energy consumption.

Fore Kicks’ Marlborough facility, which opened in late 2009, boasts multipurpose fields and courts, meeting and exercise rooms, as well as several outdoor, lighted artificial turf fields.  A 302 KW roof-mounted system will offset the electrical costs of the 130,000-square-foot facility. The Norfolk facility has 85,000 square feet of indoor space, including multipurpose fields and courts, a 10-bay indoor driving range, and a nine-hole outdoor golf course. A 282 KW roof-mounted solar PV system will be deployed in Norfolk.

For Fore Kicks President and CEO Tom Teager, using solar to power his buildings has been in his plans from the beginning, and fits nicely into the company’s ongoing green initiatives. “We always wanted to go solar, and the buildings were designed with that in mind, but it was a matter of waiting for it to make economic sense – for the costs to come down and the panels to become more efficient,” Teager said. “Solect was the perfect partner in this. They supported us through the entire process – from the feasibility assessment to the bank approval process and so on. The personal attention and professionalism we received was great.”

This is not the first green initiative for Fore Kicks; the Marlborough facility was designed and built to be highly energy efficient, and the Norfolk facility was retrofitted to meet these same goals. Each facility uses energy-efficient lighting systems (LED is being explored) and HVAC systems, and the facilities have adopted on-site recycling programs for the thousands of visitors each building receives weekly. Even the buildings’ placement on their 25-acre parcels was optimized for solar via a North-South orientation.

“Fore Kicks provides a perfect case study on how building and facility owners can really embrace the concept of solar energy,” said Ken Driscoll, principal at Solect. “With these two deployments, Fore Kicks will be able to rely nearly exclusively on solar for their electricity needs, including lighting their outdoor fields, golf course and parking lots for extended use during the outdoor season.”

Attractive state, federal incentives make “going green” a smart business decision

HOPKINTON, MA – Solect Energy Development, LLC, has partnered with five local businesses to deploy solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy systems at sites in Franklin, Norwell and Northborough, Mass. Each business was able to take advantage of attractive state and federal tax incentives made available for solar deployment.

The Moseley Corporation, which works with well-known brands in the food and beverage industry to help them innovate and grow, is deploying a 33 KW solar PV system at its Franklin, MA, headquarters, a former mill building that it shares with several tenants. Moseley will use all of the electricity produced onsite to offset a portion of its current electric bill.

American Plumbing & Heating Corp., based in Norwell, MA, is a leading Boston commercial plumbing contractor for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical and industrial piping systems.  They are installing a 200 KW solar PV system and will be able to offset 100 percent of their electrical usage via solar.

The third contract shows how building owners and tenants can work together to “go solar.” Parsons Commercial Group (PCG) is a commercial real estate property management and brokerage firm based in Framingham, MA. PCG owns the property at 35 Lyman Street in Northborough along with two of the primary tenants in the building, Active Logistics and ViewPoint Sign and Awning. By deploying a 475 KW system on the roof at 35 Lyman, PCG, Active Logistics and ViewPoint Sign and Awning will be able to offset 100% their electrical costs. PCG will be able to take advantage of “net metering” and use the electricity generated in excess of what is needed at 35 Lyman at other properties owned by PCG to offset the cost of the electricity in the common areas.

“These five businesses understand the real financial benefit building owners and tenants can achieve through the deployment of renewable solar energy solutions,” said Craig Huntley, principal at Solect. “By taking advantage of the state and federal tax incentives available for solar, these companies are able to recognize significant financial benefits, as well as ‘green’ ones.”

Faith Community Church, Bethany Community Church, St. Paul’s Church to reduce electricity costs up to 50%

HOPKINTON, MA – Solect Energy Development LLC has signed contracts with three churches in the MetroWest Boston area to develop solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy systems, projects that will help the parishes save significantly on their annual energy costs.  Through site leasing and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) struck with the churches, Solect will own the systems and provide electricity to each organization at significantly reduced rates.

Faith Community Church, based in Hopkinton, MA, will deploy a 157 KW solar system on the roof of its 80,000-square-foot facility, which was remodeled and expanded in 2003. The system is expected to reduce the church’s energy costs by more than 50 percent.

Bethany Community Church, a 42,000-square foot worship center and K-12 school based in Mendon, MA, will deploy a 180 KW solar system on the roof of its church and school. The facility is expected to see a 40% savings over its current energy costs.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Hopkinton, MA, is deploying a 9 KW solar system with the intent of reducing it overall electricity bill and using the savings to help fund its operations. The system will satisfy approximately 70% of St. Paul’s energy needs.

“Solar energy is a great solution for businesses and organizations looking to reduce their energy costs,” said Craig Huntley, principal at Solect Energy Development. “Because non-profit organizations such as churches are not eligible for the federal and state incentives for deploying renewable solar energy solutions, a Power Purchase Agreement is a great way for them to reduce their costs through solar without large capital expenditure.”

Businesses in Milford, Mendon, help ‘green’ their operations

HOPKINTON, MA – Solect Energy Development, LLC, has partnered with two businesses in the MetroWest Boston area on the deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems totaling 235 KW. The systems will significantly offset electricity solar costs at both sites.

Hillview Equipment, headquartered in Milford, MA, rents, sells and repairs large construction equipment. Hillview will install a 135 KW system and use 100 percent of the electricity generated to power their operations and “green” their building. The system will offset more than 80 percent of the electricity needed to run the lighting, compressors, lifts, and other equipment used in the company’s repair center and sales/rental operations.

28 Hasting Street Corp. is a campus of buildings and offices in Mendon, MA. A 100 KW solar PV system will be installed, and the owner will use net metering to offset 100 percent of his electrical common costs at the location and various other properties across the campus. Net metering allows electricity generated in excess of what is needed at one site to be credited for use at another site.

“The electricity costs of powering small to mid-size businesses can be daunting,” said James Dumas, principal at Solect. “Solar renewable energy can help reduce costs or even offset 100% of a business’ annual electricity bill. The owners of 28 Hasting Street and Hillview Equipment recognized the cost savings potential and were able take advantage of attractive state and federal tax incentives available for solar. They also get the ‘green’ benefits of choosing solar.”

Local business will offset more than 80% of electricity costs with 30 KW solar PV system

HOPKINTON, MA – Lumber Street Auto Repair, a local automotive business based in Hopkinton, MA, has selected Solect Energy Development, LLC, to deploy a 30 KW solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable energy system. The system is expected to offset more than 80% of the business’ electricity costs.

The family-owned auto repair shop uses compressors, lifts and other energy-hungry equipment to service cars, trucks, RVs, boats, construction equipment, and more. The 10-bay building has a perfectly pitched roof with strong southern exposure – a great combination for generating solar energy.

“For a while we’ve been looking at solutions to not only reduce our energy costs, but also do our part for the environment,” said Phil Harper, owner of Lumber Street Auto Repair. “We understood pretty quickly that solar was a terrific option for us because of the southern exposure of our roof, but Solect helped make it real for us by creating a strong business case for solar.”

Lumber Street Auto was able to take advantage of attractive state and federal tax incentives that help make renewable energy projects affordable for building owners.

“Lumber Street Auto is setting a terrific example as a local business trying to find ways to reduce its carbon footprint,” said Craig Huntley, principal at Solect. “Their interest in becoming more green is commendable, and the state and federal tax incentives helped make their interest in deploying solar a reality.”

Hands-on deployment demonstrates commitment to employees, environment

HOPKINTON, MA – Consigli Construction Corp., a fourth-generation construction company based in Milford, MA, has partnered with Solect Energy Development to install a 13.3 KW solar photovoltaic (PV) system on its historic headquarters building. The installation not only helps Consigli offset its energy costs, but also gives the company an end-to-end, hands-on tutorial on renewable solar energy to share with its own clients.

Driven by a goal to reduce the energy costs at their Sumner Street headquarters, Consigli took its interest in solar a step further than most companies by involving their employees in every step of the process. Employees at Consigli, named one of the top places to work in 2011 by The Boston Globe, were given the opportunity to attend tutorials on solar energy hosted by Solect, deepening their knowledge of renewable energy solutions. As a team-building exercise, several Consigli employees also participated in the installation process on the company’s roof. This education helps Consigli make better energy recommendations to their own clients during the building process.

“Consigli is committed to understanding and adopting green practices, and installing a renewable solar energy system on our own building was the next logical step,” said Anthony Consigli, President of Consigli Construction Co., Inc. “This project shows our customers and our employees Consigli’s deep commitment to protecting the environment. Solect has established itself as a leader in commercial solar projects in Massachusetts, and was able to prove to us on paper that solar was a viable financial option for Consigli. They truly understood what we needed, and why.”

The Consigli project, which included the installation of 69 solar PV panels, also took into consideration the building’s historic nature. Solar panels were not installed on the front section of the granite building, which was moved to Sumner Street from downtown Milford more than a decade ago.

“Consigli has a long-standing commitment to the community and to the environment, and a project like this shows their employees, vendors and customers how deep their ‘green’ commitment truly is,” said Ken Driscoll, principal at Solect. “By walking the walk and deploying solar at their own facility, they are showing themselves as the leader in green construction in New England.”

Two model systems help support Mass Bay’s new solar curriculum

HOPKINTON, MA – Solect Energy Development, LLC and Mass Bay Community College have announced a partnership that will allow Mass Bay students to get hands-on experience with solar as a renewable energy solution.

As part of the agreement, Solect will install two 3 KW solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for Mass Bay. One system will be located on the roof of Mass Bay’s Ashland, MA, campus, and the other will be located on a mobile unit for a student lab application in the classroom.

The installations will take place at Mass Bay’s Automotive Technology Center in Ashland. Solect will also be working with Mass Bay, which provides degree and certificate programs to undergraduate students, to develop the curriculum for its new solar program, as well as provide guest lecturing during the actual courses.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Mass Bay Community College on helping educate the next generation about the benefits of solar as a renewable energy solution,” said Ken Driscoll, principal at Solect. “Mass Bay is showing tremendous leadership in providing a hands-on learning environment for its students.”

The system will be installed and go live in early Spring, 2012.

Incentives at the federal, state and local level can enable customers to reduce the cost of going solar by as much as 50 percent, allowing property owners to achieve a 2-5 year simple payback and then benefit from “free” electricity for the next 15-20 years. Typically, these results are achieved through a mix of government tax incentives, Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC) and electric cost avoidance.

Massachusetts has various incentives and programs in place to help support and grow the solar photovoltaic (PV) system marketplace in the state. There are four incentives in particular of interest to prospective commercial solar energy system owners in Massachusetts:

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates – Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) are a tradable, non-tangible energy commodities in the United States that represent proof that 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity was generated from an eligible renewable energy resource. SRECs became available in Massachusetts due to the creation of a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) with a specific allocation for solar energy. This program provides a means for SRECs to be created on behalf of solar energy system owners and sold to Massachusetts electric suppliers to meet the solar RPS requirement. Electric suppliers are required to use the SREC program to show compliance with this part of the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard.

SRECs are separate from the value of the electricity itself and permit the owner or purchaser to claim the benefits of clean energy production by effectively subsidizing the cost of the installed system. SRECs are designed to provide individuals and/or businesses with an economic incentive to invest in solar electric systems. They represent the renewable attributes from a solar facility, bundled in minimum denominations of 1 megawatt hour (MWh) of production. The additional income received from selling the solar certificates increases the economic value of an investment. Instead of up-front subsidies from the state, solar system owners can recover their investment by selling SRECs to electric utilities that use them to fulfill their portion of the state mandate.

Net Metering – Net metering is defined as a method of crediting customers for electricity generated via on-site solar PV systems in excess of their electricity consumption. Building owners with their own solar generation capability offset the electricity they would have purchased from the utility. When these building owners generate more than they use in a billing period, their electric meter turns backwards to indicate their net excess generation. In Massachusetts, net-metered electricity is credited at the full retail generation cost.

Local Loan Program – The Boston-based non-profit organization New Generation Energy offers low-interest loans for the installation of solar electric and solar water heating systems via its Community Lending Program. The solar loans are available to companies (including sole-proprietorship) and non-profits in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont), with an emphasis on those located in low- and middle-income communities. For more information, visit their website at http://newgenerationenergy.org.

Property Tax Incentive – Massachusetts law provides that solar-energy systems and wind-energy systems used as a primary or auxiliary power system for the purpose of heating or otherwise supplying the energy needs of taxable property are exempt from local property tax for a 20-year period. This incentive applies only to the value added to a property by an eligible system, according to the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). It does not constitute an exemption for the full amount of the property tax bill.

The Database of State Incentive for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE – www.dsireusa.org) lists specific details for these and other programs.

Solar power has never been more economical and the Massachusetts state government has taken a policy stance by providing incentives designed to reduce costs and grow the renewable energy portfolio in the area. Professional solar project developers such as Solect can help determine which incentives are appropriate and will maximize a customer’s return on investment.