IRC Solar Roof Systems, an affiliate of IRC Industrial Roofing Companies, completed a 186kW solar photovoltaic installation at Belmont Hill School. IRC and Belmont Hill School have entered into a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). As a result, the school will reduce its annual energy costs from the system's first day of operation and for the duration of the PPA.
The 778 panel project is one of the largest school-based projects in Eastern Mass. and the first commercial interconnection for the Belmont Municipal Light Department. The project covers 14,000 s/f on the roof of the School's Jordan Athletic Center. According to IRC Solar Roof Systems, the solar power panels produce enough electricity to offset 20% of the athletic centers annual electrical demand.
"Belmont Hill School is leading by example and deserves full credit for incorporating the renewable energy process into their sustainability goals, facility requirements and learning environment. Many schools in the Northeast can immediately benefit by solar because it now makes economic and environmental sense to do so," said Kurt Penney, business development specialist for owner/installer IRC. "As part of the IRC Industrial Roofing Cos., our company is focused on the roof first. We'll continue to provide ongoing roof maintenance in addition to complete solar support throughout the PPA term."
IRC has worked with the faculty to integrate an educational component to allow students, teachers and parents to view real-time and historical data. A 40" flat screen monitor, installed in the athletic building, displays a 24/7 weather station and continual updates on the system's production and environmental benefits of Belmont's solar panel project.
"Belmont Hill School is excited to be at the forefront of bringing renewable solar energy to Belmont," said Jay Bounty, CFO and director of operations. "It is our hope that the educational, environmental, and economic benefits realized from this solar installation will positively impact our students, our school, and the greater Belmont community for years to come."
"The Belmont Municipal Light Dept. is proud to lead the way in Massachusetts as the first municipal light department to institute a comprehensive solar policy that allows our customers to participate in renewable energy initiatives," said Jim Palmer, general manager/CEO of Belmont Municipal Light Dept. "Working with our light board, advisory board, energy committee and sustainable Belmont, we all recognize the importance of making renewable energy a larger piece of our energy portfolio and we recognize and salute Belmont Hill for its responsible leadership in moving forward with this exciting project."
Founded in 1945, IRC is the most awarded commercial roofing contractor in Maine and is comprised of three affiliated companies: Solar roof systems, roof management services and industrial roofing & siding company. Solar Roof systems is focused on the design/build of solar solutions for the commercial market, from solar thermal and PV installations to daylighting and green roof systems. Solar Roof System's Power Purchase Agreement is the first of its kind from a New England based commercial roofing contractor.