Washington Gas Energy Systems to Finance, Own and Operate Solar Array on the Quaboag Street Landfill
Washington Gas Energy Systems to Finance, Own and Operate Solar Array on the Quaboag Street Landfill in Brookfield, Massachusetts
Agreement Exemplifies Commonwealth's Dedication to Renewable Energy
MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Washington Gas Energy Systems, Inc. today announced it has signed a 20-year contract with the town of Brookfield, Mass., to finance, own and operate a 434kilowatt, ground-mounted solar array. It will be located on a capped landfill behind the town transfer station at 15 Quaboag Street.
"Small towns like ours were hit hard by the economic downturn, and anytime we can find a way to generate revenue for the town, it's a plus," said Brookfield Selectman Rudy Heller, who has worked on this project with a committee of volunteers since its inception. "If at the same time we reduce our carbon footprint, everybody wins. We are very pleased that this project is coming to fruition."
The solar photovoltaic system is expected to produce more than 500,000kilowatt hours of clean energy in the first year, which is equivalent to the total annual electrical usage of almost 100 average single-family homes. The 1,846 solar panels will cover approximately three acres of land.
"The town of Brookfield has embraced an innovative way to make use of its capped landfill by installing renewable energy resources, and should serve as a model for other towns and neighborhoods," said Sanjiv Mahan, vice president of business development for Washington Gas Energy Systems. "We are committed to bringing clean energy solutions to communities throughout Massachusetts and across the country, and will continue to invest in renewable energy assets."
Construction on the solar array should be completed in June 2013, and is anticipated to result in substantial savings in the town's utility costs. The array will help power virtually all Brookfield government functions including schools, emergency response, street lighting and the Town Hall.
About Town of Brookfield, Mass.:
The town of Brookfield (population 3,400) is located in central Massachusetts, about an hour west of Boston. First settled in 1660, it is one of the oldest towns in the Commonwealth. With this solar project, the town's historic past takes a giant leap into the future. This initiative once again demonstrates the continuing desire of Brookfield's residents to strive for self-sufficiency.
About Washington Gas Energy Systems, Inc.:
Washington Gas Energy Systems, Inc., an affiliate of Washington Gas Light Company and a subsidiary of WGL Holdings (NYSE: WGL), design-builds and owns custom energy solutions that deliver financial, operational and carbon reduction results for non-residential customers across the United States. Washington Gas Energy Systems is focused on federal energy efficiency projects and commercial distributed generation assets including solar. For more information on how Washington Gas Energy Systems can make solar power a reality for you, contact Nate Greenberg, 703-288-3614 x29, or email nategreenberg@wges.com.
Washington Gas Energy Systems:
Lisa Fels, 703-739-2424 x110
lfels@brightlinemedia.com
KEYWORDS: United States North America Massachusetts Virginia
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The article Washington Gas Energy Systems to Finance, Own and Operate Solar Array on the Quaboag Street Landfill in Brookfield, Massachusetts originally appeared on Fool.com.
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