Distributed Generation, Finance, Industrial, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  October 14, 2016

Large cider mill goes solar for $40k in annual savings

^{Photo courtesy of Solect Energy} 

The largest cider mill in New England recently made the decision to go solar with a rooftop installation that is expected to generate close to 90% of its annual electric use. 

The 300 kW system selected to top the roof of the New England Apple Products facility in Leominster, Mass., is expected to reduce the company's annual electric bill by $40,000, according to an Oct. 7 news release from the developer, Hopkinton, Mass.,-based Solect Energy. The companies are utilizing state and federal tax incentives and solar renewable energy certificates for the project. 

New England Apple President Steve Rowse said in a statement that the company plans to reinvest the savings it achieves from the installation back into its business, which will allow the company to grow by mitigating unpredictable surges in electricity costs associated with expanding. 

"Any company interested in solar should run the numbers, as they are likely to find that it's a conversation worth having," he said. "Plus, the environmental benefits are obvious, and not to be overlooked."

Rowse added:

Partnering with Solect to install solar is an excellent opportunity to reduce the company's carbon footprint and generate a long-term financial gain for the business. Our long-standing colleagues in the apple world, JP Sullivan Packing Services in Ayer, had recently installed an array of their own with Solect, and the quality of their experience helped ease many of our concerns. 

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