Solar contractor ReVision Energy completed solar jobs at 244.86-kW at Keene Housing, a nonprofit from Keene, New Hampshire, providing affordable housing for people in need.
A ribbon-cutting is scheduled on October 29 at Keene Housing to observe its own solar energy transition. This past year, Keene Housing added grid-tied solar arrays totaling 91.5 kilowatts to nine buildings in its Harper Acres property. At the second phase, solar arrays have been installed this fall at Forest View Apartments, Keene Housing’s 39-unit property along Harmony Lane. The Forest View project comprises seven home buildings and a single community construction.
“We are thrilled to be moving forward together with our second solar job with ReVision in as many years,” said Joshua Meehan, executive director, Keene Housing. “Every dollar we save on electricity is a dollar we could invest in our property portfolio, improved resident services and the development of additional affordable housing”
The PV solar systems are a part of a comprehensive energy efficiency transition that also includes air source heat pumps for heating and cooling. Keene Housing’s energy efficiency and manufacturing strategies align with a Keene City Council resolution that encourages town and its residents to finally generate 100% of their power from renewable sources.
The Forest View project includes 742 solar panels that can generate roughly 250,000 kWh, and the Harper Acres project comprises 300 solar panels that generate over 100,000 kWh of solar energy.
ReVision Solar effect Partners (RSIP) owns the Harper Acres solar array and a local effect investor partner possesses the Forest View solar selection through Power Purchase Agreements with Keene Housing. Under the conditions of the agreements, the nonprofit initially agrees to purchase electricity in a negotiated rate under grid cost.
After six years, Keene Housing will have the choice to purchase the system at a significant discount. The PPAs give Keene Housing the capability to leverage the economic and environmental benefits of solar power while affording the effect partners an opportunity to generate community investments which express their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Under the conditions of the RSIP program, influence investors provide capital to construct solar projects. Investors make a rate of return through payments made for solar generation, tax incentives and other project benefits while solar installers benefit from a continuous pipeline of job. Keene Housing receives a reduced electric bill in addition to the environmental advantages of generating clean electricity.
The Forest View arrays are predicted to conserve Keene Housing over $2 million over the life span of this machine when the nonprofit exercises its own future purchase option.
