Having put online massive solar systems for a local elementary and high school, the only thing missing from Revolution Energy's education portfolio had been a college or university project.
But with the August installation of a 25-kilowatt, 99-panel solar system at Great Bay Community College (GBCC), Revolution Energy was able to toss their proverbial mortarboard skyward.
One of a number of projects funded in part through a grant provided by the New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning (OEP), the system is expected to save the college thousands of dollars a year in energy costs.
The remainder of the array was paid for up front by Revolution. In turn, Revolution and GBCC came to terms on a power-purchase agreement (PPA), a payment structure wherein the college pays Revolution each month for energy generated by the system - in essence, a green mortgage. After nine years, GBCC would have the option to own the system outright.
While admitting that the size of the array (25kw) isn't exactly eye-popping, GBCC president Will Arvelo reiterated that the system was nonetheless a huge step forward for the college. "It's obviously an exciting piece for us, in that one of our goals has been to reduce our carbon footprint," Arvelo said.
Specifically, Arvelo mentioned the possibility that GBCC might one day expand upon or augment the existing photovoltaic array. Needless to say, Revolution would be more than happy to oblige.
"We're looking forward to seeing the savings for the school and the performance of the system, and certainly hope it will serve as the first step towards sustainability," Behrmann said.
The array was the fourth installed by Revolution since the company's founding three years ago, and the third done on behalf of a school.
Jim Cavan is director of media and public relations at The Green Alliance, Portsmouth, N.H.