Bellingham Signs Solar Energy Deal
Officials in Bellingham have signed a contract with a Virginia firm that is building, and will own and run a solar energy project that will provide the community with renewable energy over the next two decades, according to the company, Washington Gas Energy Systems of McLean, Va.
Washington Gas began building the 3,802-kilowatt solar array last month in Douglas and expects to complete work in late June. The ground-mounted installation on Northeast Main Street will consist of 12,672 panels and is expected to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to planting more than 1.6 million pine trees or avoiding the use of more than 7 million gallons of gasoline, the company said.
The project was developed by NextSun Energy of Boston. Gehrlicher Solar America Corp., of Springfield, N.J. , will assist with engineering and construction.
Michael Soter, chairman of Bellingham's board of selectmen, said town and school officials evaluated several firms before settling on NextSun. "Their relationship with Washington Gas Energy Systems ensures the project will be a success for all involved," he said.
Soter also noted that Bellingham schools will save nearly $6 million in energy costs over the life of the project.
When completed, the project is expected to generate about 4,800 megawatt hours of energy annually and provide the town with predictable, low-cost electricity rates over the next 20 years, Washington Gas said.
"This is a great example of a town taking the initiative to use renewable energy solutions as a way to reduce costs," said Sanjiv Mahan, vice president of business development for Washington Gas. "It is rewarding to work on a project of this scale that furthers our mission to invest in the development of renewable energy assets that improve the environment."
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