Log Road Solar Array Goes On-Line

City of Montpelier’s 500kW array complete The City of Montpelier is now getting the majority of its electricity from renewable energy sources with the completion of a 500 kW solar photovoltaic array located on an old gravel pit behind Log Road in Montpelier. Partnering with Novus Energy Development, a Montpelier-based firm specializing in the development of solar powered projects, the city government has entered into a 20 year Power Purchase Agreement for municipal electrical use.

Electricity produced by the solar panels will be credited to a variety of municipal buildings within the City of Montpelier, including the Water Resource Recovery Facility, City Hall, the Fire Station and Police Station. The innovative Power Purchase Agreement allows the City to invest in renewable energy with no upfront cost, and savings on its electrical bill from Day 1. Additionally, the City will have the opportunity to buy the 500kW solar array in the future at a fair market rate.

In combination with a second 500kW array completed in 2016 located in Sharon, VT, the City and School District expect to save $40,000-$50,000 a year for the first ten years of the contract.

Part of a multi-year effort to increase energy efficiency and reduce the use of fossil fuels, the solar array will help the city achieve its 2030 goal to become the first Net Zero state capital in the United States.