Largest Solar Installation in Burlington Now Operating

Burlington, Vermont, January 17, 2012

Rock Point, often referred to as the best kept secret in Burlington, now boasts another exciting addition – a solar installation of 35 solar trackers that will produce 205,000 kWh of power each year, which represents about 60-75 percent of all energy used on the property. 

The 147 kW solar installation is a joint project between Rock Point School and the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont as part of a larger commitment by both of these organizations to energy efficiency, real life education and stewardship of the beautiful property on which is school and diocesan buildings are located.

Bishop Ely says, “Beyond the tangible financial benefits that will accrue to the Diocese and Rock Point School as a result of the new Solar Installation, this commitment to renewable energy is one important step in fulfillment of our commitment to energy conservation and renewable energy on Rock Point. I also believe that the Solar Installation offers a wonderful educational opportunity for the Rock Point students and for all of us as we will be reminded daily of the need to do all we can to reduce our carbon footprint and be good stewards of the earth.” 

The 35 AllSun Trackers, designed and manufactured by AllEarth Renewables of Williston, constitute a solar tracking system that harnesses the renewable energy of the sun to provide electrical power. The installation, which tracks the sun throughout the day and uses innovative GPS and wireless technology, is net metered, allowing electricity generated in excess of what is needed on the property to be fed back into the grid and credited against the two customers’ bills.

Initially, AllEarth Renewables will own the system so they can take advantage of incentives not available to non-profit institutions. The Diocese and Rock Point School have entered into a 5-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with AllEarth, at the end of which they will purchase the system at fair market value, estimated to be 30% of the original cost of the equipment. Each institution will own a 50% share of the system.

In the spring, Rock Point School science teacher, Kathy Rossman, will work with the Rock Point students to tour groups of younger children from local elementary schools and community organizations around the project to teach them about solar power.  The school also hopes establish connections with other educational and environmental programs and non-profit organizations to promote education about renewable energy. As well as sharing the resource, the installation will provide the students with many of their own educational opportunities.  Rossman says, “This project will allow our students to make connections between their own habits and lifestyle choices and the impact and influence that they have on our overall energy use.”

From single kindergartners to entire congregations, the joint hope of the school and the diocese is to promote energy efficiency and to educate people about the many benefits of solar power. 

Media Contacts:

The Episcopal Diocese of Vermont, Anne Brown, abrown@dioceseofvermont.org; 802-353-1182

Rock Point School, Charlotte Blend, cblend@rockpoint.org; 802-863-1104

AllEarth Renewables, Andrew Savage, asavage@allearthrenewables.com; 802-872-9600