Clean Energy for the Future through the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Growth Program
Standard Solar purchased Burrillville’s 4.2 MW ground-mount system from Boston-based Energy Management, Inc. and will finance, own and operate the system. The system utilizes key town property to provide electricity to the town and will be integrated into the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Growth Program (REG Program).
The REG Program will support the development of 560 MW of new renewable energy projects in Rhode Island between 2015 and 2020. The REG Program is the successor program to the contract-based 40 MW Distributed Generation Standard Contracts Program (DG Program) that was in place from 2011 to 2014. Eligible technologies include wind, solar, hydropower and anaerobic digestion. In contrast to the DG Program, small-scale solar projects can participate in the REG Program.
Sustainability Benefits for Municipalities without Long-Term Responsibilities
Producing renewable energy for the community, the array features more than 11,000 solar modules and produces approximately 5.3 GWh of electricity. That’s the CO2 equivalent of removing 3,104,708 pounds of CO2 from the atmosphere.
By selling the project to Standard Solar, rather than owning it outright, the town avoids the need to maintain the project for the duration. Many municipalities, developers and other customers prefer this model because it allows them to enjoy the many benefits of a solar array without the risks and uncertainties.
“Rhode Island is a sleeping giant with the REG Program,” said Scott Wiater, President and CEO, Standard Solar. “When Energy Management approached us with the possibility of being involved in a project in the state, we were thrilled. This project with the Town of Burrillville mirrors several we have done for other towns up and down the Eastern Seaboard, so we were excited to add it to our ever-burgeoning portfolio.”
