Green Initiatives

Essex Meadows Photovoltaic Install Fact Sheet

Q: What is the “size” of the system?

A: The system to be installed at Essex Meadows is a 108kW (kilowatts) system (107,800 Watts), meaning that it continuously produces 108kW of power during peak conditions—when the sun is directly over the modules on a clear day.

Physically, the system occupies 8,747 sq. ft. of roof space (enough space to park about 50 cars) and roughly 30% to 35% of Essex Meadows’ roof space suitable for solar.

Q: What is it made of?

A: The system consists of 616 solar modules (panels). Modules use silicon cells, similar to those used to make computer chips, to convert sunlight to power. For the tech junkies, they are specifically: monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules.

Q: How Much Power does it produce?

A: Based on prevailing weather conditions in the area, the Essex Meadows system will produce about 128,282 kWh (kilowatt hours) per year—roughly equivalent to powering 12 homes.

Q: Will Essex Meadows use all of that power & what happens if you don’t?

A: Yes, we will use it. The system will offset up to 6% of the power we use, but in instances where we may use less, the power is sent to the utility and we are credited for the power produced. This is commonly known as net metering.

Q: How much did the system cost and how much money does it save you?

A: The system cost $808,500. The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) is paying for roughly half the cost through a $459,719 rebate. Between the money saved on electricity and additional tax benefits, the system will pay for itself in about 8 years and is estimated to save approximately $1,000,000 in electricity costs over its 30-year lifespan.

Press Contact for CCEF information: Pamela Hartley, 860-257-2350

Q: Are there any other benefits?

A: Absolutely. The biggest benefit is that the system will avoid generating approximately 99 tons of CO2 emissions every year. This environmental benefit is calculated in Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). We will generate approximately 128MWh (Mega Watt Hours) of RECS each year. At this time, the RECs will be sold to offset the cost of the system but, in the future, we will have the option of keeping the credits so that we may claim the environmental benefit internally.

Q: Who is making/installing the system?

A: The system is designed and installed by Gloria Spire Solar of Bedford MA. The local sub-contractor working with Gloria Spire on the installation is Essex Commercial Construction of Essex CT.

Gloria Spire Contact: David Hebert, 781-275-6000 x212
Essex Commercial Construction Contact: Joseph Shea, 732-450-0015

Q: When will it be complete?

A: We anticipate the system will be operational in October, 2008.