The Melrose Energy Commission, partnering with two area solar energy organizations, is offering a new solar program for local businesses, nonprofits and religious groups.
Titled “Go Solar Melrose: Big Roof Solar,” the pilot program will officially launch on December 6. “Over the past five years we’ve run two very successful Solarize Melrose campaigns and helped more than 300 homeowners go solar,” says Lori Timmermann, Melrose Solar Coach and member of Melrose Energy Commission (MEC), a volunteer organization that helps the City, its residents, businesses and nonprofits save energy.
“But when I look around at our downtown, I still see so many open rooftops that could help the City reach its carbon-neutral goals and help local businesses and non-profits reduce their monthly electric bills.”
The goal of Big Roof Solar is the installation of 250 kilowatts of solar capacity (kW) on the roofs of nonprofits and small businesses in Melrose over the next year. That’s enough to power about 33 homes for one year.
In many cases, the solar panel systems would produce a surplus of electricity for the building owner. This energy can then be shared with homeowners and others who have “shady roofs,” allowing access to clean energy and cost savings from which they were previously excluded.
MEC has partnered with Resonant Energy and Boston Solar to develop creative strategies specifically designed for small businesses and non-profits to ensure that going solar is feasible for local organizations.
Resonant Energy is a Boston-based solar platform that partners with nonprofit and municipal groups to obtain cost-effective solar financing and installation services. Resonant Energy specializes in bringing solar options to nonprofits, houses of worship and small businesses. MEC and Resonant Energy have selected Boston Solar to provide discounted bulk purchase pricing on installation and equipment during the 12-month duration of the program.
Melrose Big Roof Solar will offer:
* Free evaluations
* Customized financing
* Bulk purchase discounts
* Educational workshops
* Technical assistance and coaching throughout the process
The timing for Big Roof Solar is ideal since it will be running concurrently with a new state program, Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART). This effort is a long-term, sustainable solar incentive program to promote statewide cost-effective solar development.
“It’s an exciting time for solar energy in Melrose and throughout Massachusetts,” notes Timmermann. “We’re recognizing the need for clean, renewable energy sources and taking action.”
A launch party for Melrose Big Roof Solar will be held on Thursday, December 6 from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Knights of Columbus, 23 West Foster Street, Melrose. Owners of local businesses and nonprofits as well as Melrose residents and representatives from local houses of worship are invited to attend. To RSVP, visit www.GoSolarMelrose.eventbrite.com
For addition information about this program, visit www.resonant.energy/go-solar-melrose or contact Lori Timmermann at MelroseSolarCoach@gmail.com.
