Main Street Power to Install Solar at Two Connecticut Schools

Main Street Power Company Inc., in partnership with MS Solar Solutions Corp., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, today announced the start of construction on rooftop solar arrays for two schools in Connecticut’s Bridgeport Public Schools district.

The two PK-8 schools to benefit from the sun’s energy and solar education for students are Cesar A. Batalla and Blackham School, with solar arrays sized at 217 kW and 90 kW, respectively. Cesar A. Batalla will see 10 percent of its electricity needs supplied by the solar panels, and Blackham School’s panels will supply an estimated 13 percent of its electricity demand.

“Teaching the next generation of conservationists the importance of lowering our carbon footprint to take better care of the planet is one of the highest priorities of our BGreen2020 efforts. This partnership with Main Street Power and CEFIA will bring a renewable energy source to two of our schools, and it will also educate students on the use of solar energy,” said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch.

The energy will be purchased under a Solar Power and Services Agreement requiring no upfront costs by the school district, and Mercury Solar Systems will construct the project. Additionally, funding from the state’s Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) will support the project. With no upfront costs and lower utility bills, the school district can invest in its students and plans to implement a solar science education curriculum developed by Main Street Power.

Main Street Power’s mission to deliver clean and renewable power is grounded in a commitment to social sustainability. The solar financier has a three-star GIIRS rating and owns and operates over 1,000 solar systems nationwide that provide enough electricity to power a town of 25,000 residents. “An exciting part of working with schools is the opportunity to share our solar education modules with the district such that we can all expand our energy awareness,” said Amory Host, CEO of Main Street Power. He added, “The education sector represents over half of our 40MW national portfolio, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to public/private partnership.”

CEFIA provided funding as part of its mission to deploy clean energy in Connecticut through private capital partnerships. “Congratulations to the city of Bridgeport for yet another exciting clean energy moment. Providing opportunities for students to learn about solar energy and the benefits associated with it–not just this year, but for decades and generations of students to come–provides a platform for knowledge that will help the youth as they prepare for their future in Connecticut’s clean energy economy,” stated Bryan Garcia, President of CEFIA.

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: http://www.solarbuildermag.com/news/main-street-power-install-solar-two-connecticut-schools/]