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City of Salem Celebrates Upcoming Solar Projects at Two Schools

Projects will save approximately $673,000 and avoid more than 5,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions when complete
Posted on: October 12, 2022 - 8:32am
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At a ceremony at the Collins Middle School on October 11, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, Superintendent of Salem Schools Dr. Stephen Zrike, and representatives from Solect Energy and PowerOptions gathered with members of the school community and others to celebrate the upcoming rooftop solar installations at two Salem schools - Saltonstall K-8 School and the Collins Middle School.

“I’m so pleased to join with Dr. Zrike, Solect Energy, Power Options, and other stakeholders in our schools’ and our community’s ongoing commitment to sustainability to celebrate these two solar installations,” said Mayor Kim Driscoll. “As a green community, Salem is dedicated to taking meaningful steps to improve our resiliency, while also reducing our own local contributions to the climate crisis. These two projects will not only save our schools hundreds of thousands in electric bills, it will also help avoid thousands of metric tons of CO2 emissions. I look forward to both arrays being completed and active in the very near future!”

Salem expects to save approximately $673,000 and avoid more than 5,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions with these two projects, while demonstrating the City’s fiscal responsibility and commitment to sustainability.

“The decision to go solar was an easy one,” said Dr. Stephen Zrike, Superintendent of Salem Public Schools. “It allows us to reduce our energy costs and invest those savings back into our schools and brings our community one step closer to creating energy sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint.” He continues, “This solar project not only offsets our energy consumption but additionally creates real-life learning opportunities around science and social responsibility for our students.”

The combined size of the systems is 463.6 kilowatts with a projected first year annual production of 551,662 kilowatt hours. The systems will be developed and installed by Solect Energy through PowerOptions Solar & Storage Program. The pre-negotiated PPA allows the solar to be installed at the schools at no cost to the City of Salem, and also includes monitoring and maintenance throughout the 20-year term. The electricity generated by the arrays will be purchased and consumed by the schools at a significantly discounted price versus delivered electricity through the grid.

“Salem is demonstrating great environmental leadership with these projects. It is an example to other communities and also to the students who will see first-hand the benefits of cleaner, renewable energy,” said Heather Takle, President and CEO of PowerOptions. “Massachusetts has set ambitious carbon emission reduction goals, and the City’s projects move us all one step closer to a sustainable future.”

“Solect is proud to have completed these projects with the City of Salem, and commend the Mayor and her team on their progress towards decarbonizing municipal and school buildings.  We also thank the City and School staff for their diligence and smart decision to utilize solar at these school building rooftops to hedge against volatile and costly electricity prices.” said Matt Shortsleeve, Vice President of Development at Solect Energy.