PROJECT DESCRIPTION & HISTORY
By Bruce Lierman
Early in 2015, several residents of Bennington and members of the Universal Unitarian Church explored the possibility of a community solar project with a solar developer. We met with the developer, Power Guru Solar Electric Systems, during 2015-2016 to discuss the steps needed to build a 90kW solar project in the Bennington area. Anyone who is currently a Green Mountain Power customer may join and buy a share of the output of the project to offset their electric bill. At this point, we are in the midst of planning our Phase II array.
A percentage share is determined based on your current electric bills, plus any anticipated changes that individual subscribers might choose to make based on their participation in the project (e.g., adding a high-efficiency heat pump hot water heater). Purchase costs are proportional to your share.
There are several advantages to developing a project like this, as opposed to putting panels on your own roof or property:
There is much more information about community solar projects elsewhere within this website. A great place to start is our FAQ Page!
A percentage share is determined based on your current electric bills, plus any anticipated changes that individual subscribers might choose to make based on their participation in the project (e.g., adding a high-efficiency heat pump hot water heater). Purchase costs are proportional to your share.
There are several advantages to developing a project like this, as opposed to putting panels on your own roof or property:
- Economies of scale for panels and construction costs
- Siting that provides more efficient solar exposure than might be available at your property.
- “Shared risk” in covering maintenance costs for the project, insurance, and other expenses
- Sharing the work with your other project members to generate the legal and financial documents to implement the project.
- You own your shares. You can sell your share of the project to any Green Mountain Customer. Banks and credit unions will accept your share of the output of the system as collateral for a loan to purchase a share.
- Reduced individual up front costs, as well as tax deductions and sharing in other benefits of the project. The Phase II system will pay for itself in under 10 years. After that, the electrical credits are directly paying your electric bill. Not bad for a low-risk, community-based investment.
There is much more information about community solar projects elsewhere within this website. A great place to start is our FAQ Page!