Joined by renewable energy businesses and advocates, Governor Peter Shumlin on Wednesday cut the ribbon on the South Ridge Solar facility, the first completed 500 kW solar net metering project in Vermont. The project is providing power to Middlebury College as part of the school’s commitment to become carbon neutral.
“This project is about local energy, local investment, and Vermont jobs,” Shumlin said.
South Ridge Solar Farm. Photo by Encore Redevelopment.
The project was developed by Charlie Kireker, with financing from the National Bank of Middlebury. Encore Redevelopment of Burlington helped manage the project. Middlebury College is the net metering customer. Among those consulting on the project or providing services were a number of Vermont companies including G Stone Commercial, Lanpher Construction, SD Ireland Concrete, Spafford and Sons, Short Surveying, Middlebury Fencing, and many more.
“This is how solar energy drives economic development and supports jobs for Vermonters,” Shumlin said. Noting that this project is also helping Middlebury College make progress towards its goal to become carbon neutral by providing clean renewable energy, he added. “Expanding solar and other renewable energy sources is also good for the environment.”
“The Shumlin Administration and Vermont Legislature have created a favorable climate for developing solar energy projects and helping our state become a national renewable energy leader,” said Kireker, Managing Member of Middle Road Ventures, LLC, the developer of the South Ridge Solar facility. “Through the net metering program, we were able to work with Middlebury College and Green Mountain Power to help the College both save money and advance its carbon neutrality agenda, while offering an attractive financing opportunity to private equity investors and to the National Bank of Middlebury.”
"The South Ridge Solar project is a model partnership that will help to achieve Vermont's renewable-energy goals," said Middlebury College President Ronald D Liebowitz. "Not only will the College benefit, but the town of Middlebury will as well as it becomes an ever-more attractive place to do business."
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The event was part of the Governor’s Solar Summer Tour, showcasing Vermont’s success with solar energy. Vermont ranks number 1 in the nation in solar jobs per capital, and has more than quadrupled the amount of solar energy since 2011.
The project was made possible by the net metering program, and enhanced by ACT99 signed by the Governor in April, which enabled the project developers to add more panels to optimize its performance.
Source: Governor's office 8.6.2014