The largest roof-mounted solar photovoltaic system on Cape Cod has been put into service to bring sustainable power to Willy's Gym and Fitness Center. The 1,872 individual solar panels were installed as a partnership between Willy's Gym and Revolution Energy. The panels will produce over 530,000 kWh of electricity annually for the sports facility. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held October 15.
"I am very pleased that Willy's has entered into a power purchase agreement with Revolution Energy, LLC and Dynamic Solar, LLC to install the largest private rooftop solar array on Cape Cod," said Fred Schwer, chief operating officer of Willy's Gym. "Willy's takes our commitment to our local environment seriously and I am very excited that 56% of our substantial energy requirements will be produced by a renewable source," said Schwer.
Over the course of the PPA, Willy's is estimated to save $2.7 million in energy costs all while reducing their carbon footprint. The project represents yet another successful commercial installation for Revolution Energy, after completing a comparable sized system for The Edge Sports Arena in Bedford. Revolution Energy is selling the electricity generated to Willy's using a mechanism called a power purchase agreement (PPA). Revolution sells the power generated from the system it owns and maintains to Willy's, where the array is located. This eliminates the upfront cost of installing a solar array for Willy's, while reducing it's cost of purchasing electricity.
"This is a great example of a local business owner seeing the benefit of this technology on this kind of facility," said Michael Behrmann, co-founder and president of Revolution Energy.
"Willy's is constantly making strides to upgrade our facilities including high efficiency lighting and electric motors and this is one more step in supporting a green future for our community, our families and our children," said Schwer.
The increase of photovoltaic array construction across Mass. is part of a wider policy initiative by the state to reach 400MW of installed solar capacity. The Mass. Clean Energy Center supervises the Solar Carve-Out program, allowing commercial sites like Willy's to access clean, sustainable, and economical power. The program is nationally recognized as a success, with the partnership between Willy's Gym and Revolution Energy being the most recent example.
Willy's World Wellness and Conference Center has been in business for over 28 years. At over 120,000 s/f, Willy's multiplex facility at 4730 State Hwy., has a salt system pool, rock wall, racquetball, squash, strength/cardio facilities, spin theater, volleyball, soccer, tennis, squash, racquetball, unlimited classes including mind/body programs, aerobics classes, Pilates mat, yoga, Tulen martial arts, locker rooms with saunas, steams, Jacuzzis, Wi-Fi, and lounge areas.
Dynamic Solar is a full-service solar energy provider that brings together the diverse expertise needed to design, build and maintain successful solar power projects for commercial, industrial and institutional clients and provides the necessary support for the system's 25 year warranted life.
Revolution Energy was founded in 2008 and installs renewable energy systems throughout the northeast. Revolution specializes in accessing all available state and federal rebates on the client's behalf, making the project as affordable and simple as possible, and passing these savings on to the consumer.
Shown are state representative Sarah Peake, Barbara Niggel and Fred Schwer of Willy's, Mike Behrmann and Jon Spencer of Revolution Energy.