Brockton Area Arc, a non-profit servicing children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has partnered with Solect Energy, the state's leading commercial-scale developer and installer of solar energy systems, and PowerOptions, the region's largest energy buying consortium, to install a 76.8 kilowatt (kW) solar energy system on the roof of its facility. The array consists of 200 photovoltaic (PV) panels, which are projected to produce 86,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy annually. The Brockton Area Arc an-ticipates the array will generate nearly 100 percent of its annual electricity, for a projected yearly savings of more than $15,000. 

The Brockton Area Arc serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It offers Family Support, Recreation, Employment, Community Based Day Supports, and Day Habilitation. The yearly $15,000 in anticipated savings from the solar array will be redirected toward expanding programs and services for the Arc community. 

The Brockton Area Arc was able to install the solar array with no up-front costs through Power-Options & Solect's Solar Program. Under the program, Solect financed, installed, and will service the solar array on their roof, while The Arc receives the power generated at a fixed rate for a period of 20 years under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) negotiated by PowerOptions. 

"When Solect Energy reached out to us about pursuing a solar conversion, switching to renewable energy hadn't been on our radar," said John J. Lynch, Executive Director at Brockton Area Arc. "Solect made a compelling argument for the substantial benefits that we would accrue with a commitment to solar. With their proven expertise and excellent customer references, coupled with their relationship with PowerOptions we were confident we were moving forward with the right partner. We have been impressed with both organizations' professionalism and their shared commitment to local philanthropy." 

"The Brockton Area Arc, although not initially seeking solar, quickly grasped the financial benefits that a solar array, especially one financed through a PPA, offered their organization," said 

Chad Couture, Director of Business Development at Solect Energy. "The array will produce nearly 100 percent of their energy needs, which will mean a substantial reduction in their utility expenses. The savings of approximately $15,000 a year will translate into increased funding for the valuable programs they offer to the community." 

"At PowerOptions, our mission is to help nonprofits save time and money on energy, so more re-sources can be directed toward serving communities," said PowerOptions President and CEO Cynthia Arcate. "In addition to cost predictability and savings, The Brockton Area Arc implemented their solar project without the need for any up-front costs or on-going maintenance respon-sibilities." 

PowerOptions | www.poweroptions.org

Solect Energy | www.solect.com