Vermont Utility Invests in Solar Education
Central Vermont Public Service (NYSE-CV) yesterday held the opening ceremony for their new Rutland Town solar project and renewable energy education center. The ceremony was attended by CV President Bob Young, Gov. Jim Douglas and representatives of the Stafford Technical Center and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – Local 300.
The education center features a hydro generation plant, wind measurement tower and a a 50-kilowatt solar project.
The solar project is comprised of 264 solar panels, mounted eight at a time to create 33 individual, stationary modules. In optimal conditions it is estimated that the project can generate enough electricity to power 50 homes, however, over the course of an average year (which factors in seasonal variations), it could provide enough electricity to power about 10 homes.
In addition, the education center has six museum-style educational displays that provide visitors with a self-guided look at the array and other forms of renewable energy.
We felt it was important to not just build the solar array, but to make it accessible to the public so people could learn about the project and renewable energy production. We are quite proud of the fact that we have arguably the cleanest power supply in the nation, but we also wanted to explain in simple terms the complexities of renewable energy generation.
The approximately $400,000 project was funded by CVPS, a rebate on insurance related to the sale of Vermont Yankee, and a grant from the Vermont Clean Energy Development Fund.
If you want to visit the facility you can find out more here. After your visit if you want to find out how much you could be saving by going solar fill out our free evaluation form and we will put you in contact with local Vermont solar installers who can provide you with no obligation, solar quotes for your home.