Yarmouth, MA, October 22, 2020—The Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative (CVEC) has mobilized on three projects in Cape Cod in partnership with Distributed Solar Development (DSD). The solar solutions CVEC is installing with DSD at the Captains Golf Course in Brewster, the Sandwich Police Department, and Monomoy High School are expected to save more than $100,000 on annual energy costs across the three locations, and offset nearly 900 metric tons of carbon emissions.
“Big things in clean, renewable energy are happening on the Cape this fall,” said Liz Argo, Executive Director at CVEC, which counts 24 municipalities in southeastern Massachusetts and the islands among its members. “CVEC currently manages 32 megawatts of renewable energy installed for our members. The three projects announced here herald the addition of another 20 megawatts CVEC will be adding to the Cape & Islands’ renewable energy portfolio, providing significant cost savings and critically needed lowering of emissions”. Massachusetts has established and exceeded aggressive benchmarks for solar capacity, already surpassing the 1600 MW goal it set for the end of 2020.
Installation of a new carport solar canopy over the parking lot at Brewster’s Captains Golf Course driving range is anticipated to begin October 23, 2020. The 650 kW DC system will start installation with 29 canopy foundations, followed by the steel canopy structure, before modules and electrical components are installed. The system, anticipated to be turned on in early 2021, will produce an estimated 740,291 kWh annually, saving approximately 523 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), and providing the Town of Brewster with more than $40,000 annually in revenue.
“This latest project underscores the Town of Brewster’s commitment to continuing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by implementing new green energy projects,” said Peter Lombardi, Town Administrator for the Town of Brewster. “The construction happening right now will benefit our community and the planet, for decades to come.”
The Sandwich Police Department is also in the midst of a new solar installation, which includes two canopies extending over the station parking lot. Canopy foundations have already been poured, with the steel canopies expected to be installed at the end of October before modules and electrical wiring are added. This system should be complete before the end of 2020, and will generate 217,211 kWh per year, producing nearly $20,000 in annual energy savings and reducing the annual carbon footprint by approximately 154 metric tons of CO2e.
“The two new solar canopies being installed make greater use of the space we have available and supply our police station with clean renewable energy that lowers costs,” said Chief Peter Wack, Police Chief for the Town of Sandwich.
A recently completed 239.49 kW DC rooftop solar system at Monomoy High School installed in cooperation with the Town of Harwich will produce 282,200 kWh per year, eliminating approximately 200 metric tons of CO2e and providing a potential savings of $40,000 on the school’s energy bills. “As a school district, preparing the next generation for a bright future is imperative. This begins with a strong educational foundation, and with CVEC we are further enhancing their future through energy sustainability.””
“Our team of experts and partners have ensured a smooth process from the start on these three projects,” said Tim Magner, Project Development Manager at DSD. “We’re helping each location harness its capacity for solar energy in conjunction with CVEC to lower electric costs, offset carbon emissions, and demonstrate the power of renewable energy to the entire community.”
About the Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative
The Cape & Vineyard Electric Cooperative, Inc. (“CVEC”) was organized on Sept. 12, 2007 under Massachusetts General Laws, c. 164, §136. Section 136 provides for the establishment of non-profit governmental energy cooperatives. CVEC’s purposes include developing and/or owning renewable electric generation facilities and procuring and/or selling long term electric supply or other energy-related goods or services to benefit its member communities. For more information, visit cvecinc.org.
About Distributed Solar Development
Distributed Solar Development (DSD) is transforming the way organizations harness clean energy. With unparalleled capabilities including development, structured financing, project acquisition and long-term asset ownership, DSD creates significant value for our commercial, industrial and municipal customers and partners. Backed by world-leading financial partners like BlackRock Real Assets and rooted in our founding at GE with a 120+ year legacy of innovation, our team brings a distinct combination of ingenuity, rigor, and accountability to every project we manage, acquire, own and maintain. To learn more, visit dsdrenewables.com. Connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Media Contacts
Liz Argo
Executive Director
Cape & Vineyard Electric Cooperative, Inc.
23H2 White’s Path
South Yarmouth, MA 02664
774-722-1812
Meghan Gainer
Head of Marketing & Communications, Distributed Solar Development
meghan.gainer@dsdrenewables.com
518-369-3692