Photo credit: Boys & Girls Club of Manchester.
The Boys & Girls Club of Manchester has transitioned to solar energy. ReVision Energy installed 408 solar panels this summer on three rooftops, at the Union Street Clubhouse in Manchester and the Pool House and Stebbins Family Hall buildings at Camp Foster in Bedford.
Collectively, the arrays will produce close to 150,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. The arrays will offset over 152,000 pounds of carbon pollution each year, equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 81 acres of forests or the emissions from the consumption of 160 barrels of oil.
The solar projects were financed by impact partners through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester. The PPA allows the nonprofit to access solar power at no upfront cost and lock in electricity costs while reducing its carbon footprint and enabling the impact partners to make community investments that align with their commitment to environmental sustainability.
The agreement includes a buyout clause after 5 years. The projects are expected to save $845,000 over the life of the systems if the nonprofit exercises a future purchase option.
"This transition to solar makes sense for the future of our club and will help to significantly reduce operating costs. More importantly, it's a great opportunity for our kids to learn about the importance of sustainable energy," said Diane Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester.
The organization is in the midst of a capital campaign to raise $5.85 million to fund renovations at Camp Foster and an addition at the Union Street Clubhouse in order to serve more kids. The Boys & Girls Club of Manchester hopes to raise $650,000 before the end of December to bring the campaign to an end. Donations may be made at BeGreatManchester.org/ donatenow .
