NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – In a few weeks, solar panels will be mounted on the roof of the Smith College Campus Center to produce clean energy and reduce the college’s operating costs while lowering carbon emissions.
Throughout the next 20 years, the system will reduce carbon emissions by 238 metric tons, which is equivalent to the carbon that would be removed by planting 215 acres of trees.
“I am thrilled that we are able to place this demonstration of renewable power on the building that is the crossroads of our campus,” said Dano Weisbord, Smith’s environmental sustainability director.
The electricity produced by the 130 solar panels will be approximately equivalent to the power needed to run the Campus Center Café. Installed by Borrego Solar Systems Inc., the panels will be located on the southwest side of the roof, where the Café and the Carroll Room are located.
The solar system will be financed through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with renewable energy marketer and developer, Community Energy, Inc.
Under the agreement, Community Energy will own and operate the $240,000 system, which enables the college to take advantage of the renewable power source without funding the system’s purchase up front. Community Energy will sell Smith electricity produced by the system at a locked-in rate for 20 years, insulating the college from rising energy costs.Read more: http://www.smith.edu/newsoffice/releases/NewsOffice09-056.html
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