Encore Redevelopment, of Burlington, Vermont, has announced therecent installation and commissioning of the PSEG Essex Solar Energy Centerin Essex Junction, Vermont. At 3.6MWp, this array is the largest solarproject in Vermont and is estimated to produce approximately 4,500,000 kWh ofelectricity annually, sufficient to power roughly 700 Vermont homes.
The solar array will also provide a lease payment which will help todiversify the income stream of the Whitcomb Farm and help the Farm, which hasbeen in continuous operation since 1867, remain in active agricultural use.
The Whitcomb family reelased this statement: “The lease associated with the solar projectprovides us with the opportunity to improve our farmstead while preservingtopsoil integrity. Farming has always involved land, sunlight and water toproduce value; we are pleased to be able to diversify our farming operationsto include renewable electric generation in addition to forage crops anddairy.”
The project was completed under the State of Vermont’s Standard Offerprogram which was designed to jumpstart Vermont’s clean energy economy andbegin the process of achieving the State’s goals for an increased portfolioof locally generated renewable energy.
Encore was responsible for initial project design and securing all permitsassociated with the project. Final design and construction activities wereprovided by juwi Solar. The project was financed and is owned by PSEG SolarSource a subsidiary of the Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG).
Encore said in a statement: “Encore is honored to have been able to workcollaboratively with the many professionals responsible for bringing thisproject from concept to commissioning.We hope this project can serve as anexample of the multilateral value of distributed renewable generation forproviding grid resilience, economic development, and protection ofVermont’s valuable and iconic working landscape.”
About Encore Redevelopment:
Encore Redevelopment is a Burlington, VT-based project development companywith a focus on 21st century solutions for underutilized property andcommunity-scale renewable energy systems.
Source: Encore 1.25.2015. PHOTO: Whitcomb solar array under construction last year in Essex Junction. Courtesy photo.