Norwich Solar moves forward with 500-kW project hosted by Tibetan Buddhist retreat center

• Norwich Solar introduced it has actually gotten a Certificate of Public Good (CPG) from the Vermont Public Utility Commission for a 500-kWAC solar array in Barnet, Vermont. The ground-mounted system will generate sufficient sustainable clean power to power around 135 homes per year, as well as balance out the carbon emission equivalent of practically 150 cars annually.

Milarepa Center, located off Route 5 in Barnet, will host the array. Milarepa Center is a Tibetan Buddhist retreat center called for an 11th century yogi famed for achieving enlightenment in a single lifetime. The center, an affiliate of the international company the FPMT, hosts both public as well as personal retreats and was founded in 1981 by students of Lama Thubten Yeshe and of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Barnet Selectboard, Planning Commission and also the Northeast Vermont Development Association, the regional planning commission, all approved "liked siting" for the place.

Martha Staskus, Chief Development Officer for Norwich Solar claimed, "We're looking forward to relocating this project forward in partnership with Milarepa Center. They've been an enthusiastic supporter from the beginning as well as we're glad to be viewed as a trusted partner."

Dawn Holtz is the director of the Milarepa Center. She identified the potential for solar to be an excellent use of the open field adjacent to the existing electric transmission corridor on the residential property.

Holtz stated, "As a donation-based non-profit, hosting the solar array will certainly assist the Center with fulfilling its monetary objectives for the next 25 years, and also we'll remain to have open meadows/land for our use."

She likewise adds that "the Center's unanimous authorization by its board members demonstrates the center's solid commitment to sustainable procedures and also is an example of the Buddhist practice of 'bodhichitta' because of the goodwill that will certainly spread via sustainable solar energy generation for the outside community."

Norwich Solar creates several different sorts of industrial solar projects including on-site solar for businesses or towns, in addition to community solar projects such as this one in Barnet. The net metering credit reports produced from community solar arrays are designated to a variety of Vermont customers. This project has alloted a mix of small businesses, primarily agricultural producers, with Norwich Solar's Small Business Community Solar Alliance. The program is open to any kind of Vermont company with Green Mountain Power electric bills in excess of $10,000 a year. By taking part in Community Solar projects such as this, Vermont company owner can save money on their energy expenses while adding to a more vibrant neighborhood economic situation.

The project has numerous more milestones to finish before physical work is anticipated to start following spring, consisting of allowing, final layout as well as purchase.