Vermont Public Radio

Friday, May 16, 2014
By Amy Kolb Noyes

 

Fifty Green Mountain Power customers in Rutland are now getting electricity from the sun. They are part of a community solar project that is one of the first partnerships of its kind, between a utility and a solar developer.  Officials from the City of Rutland, groSolar, NRG Energy and Green Mountain Power were on hand for this week's ribbon cutting ceremony.

Green Mountain Power partnered with NRG Energy, a large nation-wide solar developer (not associated with the Vermont-based wind energy company NRG Systems) on the project. Both parties say they anticipate future cooperation on more community solar projects in Vermont.

“This project and the innovation it represents is helping make Rutland the solar capital of New England,” said GMP President and CEO Mary Powell. “Partnering with NRG Energy has made community solar work and advanced Vermont’s achievement of its renewable energy goals.”

The 50 customers who signed on to the project did not pay any up-front costs. However, they will receive credit on their electricity bill for power produced by the array. The 150 kilowatt photovoltaic solar array is located on Hillside Avenue in Rutland, just off Woodstock Avenue.

Rultand Mayor Chris Louras is also a community solar project customer. He commented: “Rutland is very proud of this array and what it means for the city and its residents. Whether a person owns their own home, rents their residence, lives in a shady area or cannot afford the upfront capital cost of their own solar array, through this project, they can have solar power and with it, the knowledge that they are helping the environment as they save on their electric bill.”

Source: Vermont Public Radio