Nationally recognized Wake Robin turns to the sun to power independent senior living facility

Shelburne, Vt. - January 27, 2015 – Wake Robin, a nationally recognized Continuing Care Retirement Community based in Shelburne, Vt. has turned to the sun for emission-free, local power.
Wake Robin, a 2014 U.S. News and World Report “Best Nursing Homes” recipient, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that embodies “resident-powered” community life.  Committed to the responsible stewardship of resources and the environment for a sustainable future, Wake Robin strives for a “green” approach to day-to-day operations.   
The recently completed solar initiative is an integral step forward for the community’s efforts to provide the infrastructure needed to make Vermont a more environmentally-friendly place for future generations, says the retirement community.  The Renewable Energy Credits for the project are not being sold.
The 500kW system, located in Bristol, Vt., features dual axis AllEarth Solar Trackers, manufactured nearby in Williston, Vt. by AllEarth Renewables and a Power Purchase Agreement by SolarSense, LLC, a provider of clean, reliable and affordable power.
The ground-mounted solar systems will provide emissions-free, net metered solar electricity for the facility at below-market rates. The project was constructed utilizing solar trackers, which follow the sun throughout the day to maximize energy production, and SunPower solar panels, the most efficient solar panel commercially available.
“Wake Robin is a leader in environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices and the solar project is a huge step forward,” said Patrick McKee, CEO of Wake Robin. “Our residents and staff are constantly seeking creative ways to improve our impact on the planet and we are proud of the effect that the locally-sourced solar energy will have.” 
Host of the project, Stan Livingston, added, “Having grown up farming, using the sun to produce power for peoples’ homes and businesses is fantastic.  It’s a great alternative and compatible use of the land.”  
 
The project, which was installed utilizing local labor, including Addison County-based Smith & McLain, will also help the community by paying both local and state property tax.
“It’s exciting to work with clients who are truly committed to sustainability as part of their mission,” said Chris Fraga, Founder and CEO of SolarSense LLC, the project developer. “To Wake Robin being green is more than just a catchy phrase, it is a way of life for staff, residents and the Board of Directors, and that makes this project ever the more special.  We applaud and congratulate all Wake Robin stakeholders for their commitment to green.”
SolarSense will grant a Vermont Make-A-Wish child his or her wish as part of their “Watts for Wishes” charitable giving program.
“We are thrilled to be partnering to provide locally-produced solar power for Wake Robin, a first-class independent senior living facility that embodies the essence of sustainable living and community engagement. Wake Robin touches so many lives well beyond this community and their decision to go solar sends a strong message about the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy leadership.  We look forward to inviting its residence to tour this exciting solar farm,” added David Blittersdorf, president and CEO of AllEarth Renewables.
PHOTO (linked):  The 500kW solar installation of AllSun Trackers on land owned by the Livingston family in Bristol, Vt. provides emissions free solar energy for Wake Robin’s retirement living facility in Shelburne, Vt.
About Wake Robin
Located on 136 acres in Shelburne, Vermont, Wake Robin is a non-profit life care community offering the full continuum of living options for senior citizens. Ranging from 212 independent living cottages and apartments to the Linden Health Center, a five-star residential care and skilled nursing facility, Wake Robin offers the best in continuing care. Wake Robin is an active, safe, supportive community of adults. We value communication and fellowship, joy and humor. We welcome a diverse population and believe in everyone’s lifelong dignity and worth. Wake Robin’s first priority is the care and well being of every resident. To learn more, visit http://www.wakerobin.com.
About SolarSense LLC
SolarSense, and its affiliate Alternative Energy Development Group, helps commercial-scale clients reduce their energy demand, reduce their energy supply costs, and become more sustainable and resilient.   Our clients, who span mid-market to Fortune 500 entities in the for-profit, not-for-profit, and public sectors have entrusted us to generate 543,000,000 kWh’s of clean, reliable and affordable power under long term contracts.  Our singular focus is solving customers’ energy needs by utilizing proven technologies that deliver meaningful financial, sustainability & resiliency benefits.  For more, visit www.aedgonline.com
About AllEarth Renewables
AllEarth Renewables, headquartered in Williston, Vt., manufactures the AllEarth Solar Tracker, a dual-axis solar tracker that uses innovative GPS and wireless technology to follow the sun throughout the day, producing up to 45 percent more energy than rooftop solar.  The company has manufactured and installed over 2,800 solar tracker systems to date.  Among its product awards, the dual axis tracker was named a “Top-10 Green Product” by BuildingGreen magazine and “Top Product of the Year” by Solar Power World. The company’s ground-mounted, pre-engineered solar trackers are designed for residential and commercial-scale installations and available throughout the United States through local and regional solar dealers.  For more, visit www.allearthrenewables.com

Williston, VT, USA AllEarth Renewables today announced that it has initiated construction on nearly 5 megawatts of projects utilizing its dual-axis solar tracker systems to provide power to 12 state government facilities in Vermont. The facilities include each of the state’s correctional facilities and several state office buildings, including the office of Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin.
"By utilizing our tracking technology with high efficiency SunPower panels, we can maximize production within the state’s net metering limit, boosting the total solar savings for the State of Vermont and the economic returns for each project. It’s a real winning combination.” -- David Blittersdorf, president and CEO of AllEarth Renewables
   The ground-mounted solar systems will provide emissions-free, net metered solar electricity for each facility at below market rates through long-term energy contracts owned and operated by SolarSense LLC, and represents the state’s largest public solar initiative to date.
   Each of the 500-kilowatt (ac) solar projects will be constructed utilizing AllSun Trackers, which track the sun throughout the day to maximize energy production.  They are manufactured in Williston, Vt. by AllEarth Renewables.
   The initial three, 500-kilowatt (ac) projects, which are scheduled to be completed in 2014, will feature 1,560 SunPower 345-watt solar panels manufactured by SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR), a leading solar technology and global energy services provider based in Silicon Valley, Calif.
   “The combination of our premium, American-made dual-axis trackers with high performance SunPower solar panels is a perfect match,” said president and CEO of AllEarth Renewables David Blittersdorf.  “By utilizing our tracking technology with high efficiency SunPower panels, we can maximize production within the state’s net metering limit, boosting the total solar savings for the State of Vermont and the economic returns for each project.  It’s a real winning combination.” 
   Governor Shumlin visited St. Johnsbury, Vt. on Thursday where the first 500-kilowatt project featuring AllSun Trackers and SunPower solar panels is under construction.  Each of the remaining projects has a Certificate of Public Good or is in the siting and permitting process.
   “SunPower’s high efficiency solar panels will maximize production of cost-effective solar power for the State of Vermont, reducing long-term operational costs,” said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, business units.  “As a SunPower dealer, AllEarth Renewables has demonstrated a commitment to delivering quality solar solutions, and we’re looking forward to their continued success in years to come.”
   AllSun Trackers produce up to 30 percent more energy than fixed ground-mounted systems and up to 45 percent more energy than rooftop systems per kilowatt installed.  The state’s initiative will produce more than 7 million kilowatt hours of energy each year.
   The initial 1.5 megawatts of projects are being financed and operated by SolarSense LLC, the specialty solar division of Alternative Energy Development Group (www.aedgonline.com), based in Radnor, PA, who develops, owns and operates distributed generation solar and natural-gas fuel cell systems in the US.   
All Earth Renewables
   AllEarth Renewables, headquartered in Williston, Vt., manufactures the AllSun Tracker, a dual-axis solar tracker that uses innovative GPS and wireless technology to follow the sun throughout the day, producing up to 45 percent more energy than rooftop solar.  The company has manufactured and installed over 2,300 solar tracker systems to date.  Among its top-product awards, the dual axis tracker was named a “Top-10 Green Product” by BuildingGreen magazine and “Top Product of the Year” bySolar Power World. The company’s ground-mounted, pre-engineered solar trackers are designed for residential and commercial-scale installations. For more visit, www.allsuntrackers.com


About SunPower
   SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWR) designs, manufactures and delivers the highest efficiency, highest reliability solar panels and systems available today. Residential, business, government and utility customers rely on the company's quarter century of experience and guaranteed performance to provide maximum return on investment throughout the life of the solar system. Headquartered in San Jose, Calif., SunPower has offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia. For more information, visit www.sunpower.com. 


Please see this link for more info: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/companies/allearth-renewables/ne...

Joined by business leaders and state officials, Gov. Peter Shumlin today visited a 500 kilowatt solar net metering project at the Northeast Regional Correctional Facility, the first of ten planned solar projects that will power state buildings.
The projects are part of an initiative the Governor announced in September of 2013 to deploy 5 megawatts of solar that will increase the state’s use of renewable energy while saving taxpayers on state energy costs.
“Today we are celebrating the construction of the first of ten solar projects that demonstrate leadership by example for state government when it comes to using renewable energy for our own buildings and facilities,” the Governor said. “These projects help cut carbon emissions while saving taxpayers money, and critically they also supports jobs at Vermont manufacturing companies.”
The project at the Northeast Regional Correctional Facility is using solar trackers made by AllEarth Renewables of Williston, and the trackers in turn feature components manufactured by NSA Industries of St. Johnsbury.
"This initiative demonstrates why solar is so good for the Vermont.  It is saving taxpayer money, creating good local jobs, keeping electric costs down, and doing right for future generations by producing long-term clean, renewable energy," said Andrew Savage, Chief Strategy Officer at AllEarth Renewables.  "Projects like this, where we can see our locally made trackers helping our state and our community, brings it all home for us for why we are in business. We look forward to the next year of projects coming online for the State and commend the Administration's leadership making state facilities among the greenest in the country."
“As a Vermont metal fabrication and machining manufacturer, NSA is pleased to be an integral supply chain partner to AllEarth Renewables for the past five years,” said Jim Moroney, CEO of NSA Industries LLC. “In addition, it is especially satisfying for us to play a part in this alternative energy initiative and for us to see our work product being utilized locally at the Northeast Correctional Complex.” 
Upon completion, the ten 500 kilowatt solar projects are projected to save taxpayers $2.5 million in energy costs over twenty years, while producing 7 million kilowatt hours per year of clean electricity.
“With 5 megawatts of solar energy now under development for state facilities, I am pleased to announce today that we are setting a new goal for an additional 5 megawatts of solar to move more of our state buildings to locally-produced renewable energy,” said Gov. Shumlin. “Over the coming months, my Administration will be examining whether we can site additional state net metering projects, and whether we can pursue solar for state buildings through a public-private partnership with one or more of our utilities.”
Please see direct link for more information.
http://governor.vermont.gov/newsroom-prison-solar-power-state-buildings-...

Shamong, NJ -  SolarSense Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Client, Shamong Township of New Jersey, extols the benefits and savings realized since they installed solar arrays on select roofs of their township complex via an article placed in the Shamong Newspaper.  Township Administrator, Sue Onorato, says “It’s been a great venture for the township and we’re happy with the savings we’ve seen so far.”  
   Following a competitively bid RFP process, Shamong selected SolarSense as their provider for a 15-year PPA and has been in live solar production since May 2012.  SolarSense, the developer, financier, owner and operator of the PPA, reports lifetime solar production and savings for the Township of 112% vs. projected proforma results, which it attributes to the quality of Solar PV products utilized, engineering, design and construction services, and ongoing operations, maintenance and management of the project.  
   SolarSense celebrates our clients’ success, satisfaction and realization of benefits as they validate our customer value proposition: “Save Money.  Be Sustainable.  Give Back.” 


Pdf version of article attached below
Direct Website Link:
http://sj.sunne.ws/files/2013/11/Shamong_1030.p