SWANTON, VERMONT- SolarSense with partner AllEarth Renewables celebrated the commissioning of a 500 kW Dual Axis Tracker system in Swanton, Vermont.  The array, developed by SolarSense and installed by AllEarth, will provide taxpayers savings by lowering the electrical bills at state buildings.  SolarSense also provided the donation to the Make-a-Wish foundation through their charitable giveback program, “Watts-for-Wishes”, which sent a young local community member and her family to Disney World.
Please see this link for more info: http://www.wcax.com/story/29592099/shining-light-on-solar-energy-and-one...

A new solar farm is powering the state’s correctional facility in St. Albans and has helped fund the wish for a local Make-A-Wish child.  The new 500kW solar project sited adjacent to the prison is part of a broader solar initiative for state facilities spearheaded by Governor Peter Shumlin, which supplies solar energy for state buildings and provides taxpayer savings from reduced electric bills at the facilities.
Please see this link for more info: http://bobthegreenguy.com/make-a-wish-vermont-benefits-from-solar-project/

Crestmark has provided SolarSense a combination of sale-leaseback financing for three solar projects. Larry Pearce, Bank SVP comments "The AEDG team is solid with a great reputation, and we look forward to working with them as they move forward and develop future projects. Through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the State of Vermont, three 500kW solar projects will deliver clean, reliable and renewable energy to the State of Vermont.  The first project of three, located at the State of Vermont Northeast Corrections Complex in St. Johnsbury, VT, completed in the fourth quarter of 2014 for $2 million. The second project closed for the State's Correctional Facility in Springfield June 30, 2015 for $1.7 million. The third and final project is scheduled to close in August of this year. Partnered with AllEarth Renewables, a Vermont based manufacturer, a full-serivce engineering, procurement and construction firm.
   "We're excited about being able to help this company, and the growing alternative energy industry," said Larry Pearce, senior vice president, managing director of Corporate Joint Ventures. 
   "We've been impressed with Crestmark Bank, a team of bright, personable, creative and committed professionals who live their mission to help growing companies grow with lending solutions," said Chris Fraga, founder and CEO of Alternative Energy Development Group and SolarSense. "We moved from relationship building through deal due diligence to the close of the first multi-million-dollar financing in the span of three months. What's remarkable is the fact that Crestmark learned and mastered the Solar PV and Energy Project Finance space while performing deal due diligence as their first Solar PV financing transaction. We strongly endorse Crestmark as a lending partner to help growing companies grow."
Please see this link for more info: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crestmark-helps-growing-alternative-energy-development-group-with-innovative-financing-solution-300110970.html

SolarSense hosts "Celebrate Solar" site in VT   Celebrate Solar is giving the Vermont community the oppertunity to come out and explore what solar power is all about. Giving members of the community the chance to see first hand what their neighbors are doing with solar. Providing the community with a chance to see what solar does for local farms, businesses, and even homes. 
The Celebrate Solar Tours are an up-close understanding of local solar power, to learn about how it works, how these projects pencil out, and the story behind controlling our energy future with the sun.
Join us at this year's Celebrate Solar Tour Saturday, June 20th!
Please see this link for more info: http://www.revermont.org/main/celebrate-solar-tours/

In 2014, AllEarth partnered with SolarSense, a provider of clean, reliable and affordable power for commercial and industrial scale clients in the U.S., to commission 2.15 megawatts (MW) of net metering projects utilizing American-made AllEarth Solar Trackers and SunPower’s high efficiency solar panels.
Among the five solar tracker projects, all net metered in Vermont, were three 500-kilowatt (kW) projects for the State of Vermont, providing solar energy and electricity at below market rates to correctional facilities and state office buildings.
“We are honored to receive the 2014 ‘Commercial Regional Top Producer of the Year’ award from SunPower,” said David Blittersdorf, president and CEO of AllEarth Renewables. “By pairing our solar tracker technology with SunPower’s industry-leading solar panels, and through our strong project finance partnership with SolarSense, we can offer our customers significant electricity savings over the life of their systems.”
The “Commercial Regional Top Producer of the Year” award honors SunPower commercial dealers that have the highest shipment volume in their region of North America. SunPower’s best-in-class dealer program supports a network of more than 1,800 solar installers worldwide.
“We congratulate AllEarth Renewables for their extraordinary sales performance in 2014, delivering a level of quality and commitment to excellence exceeding our expectations,” said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, business units. “AllEarth is raising the bar by helping more customers achieve their energy goals with SunPower solar products and services, and we look forward to their continued success in 2015.”
AllEarth Renewables 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 2,900 solar tracker systems used for residential and commercial installations nationwide.
"We congratulate our highly-valued partner, AllEarth Renewables, on their achievement and recognition from SunPower,” said Chris Fraga, founder and CEO of SolarSense.   "We applaud AllEarth Renewables’ U.S. manufacturing, their impact in enabling the State of Vermont to reach its sustainability goals, and their commitment to excellence in solar products and EPC services.”

HORIZON INITIATIVE HOSTS "LIGHTS ON' EVENT FOR RURAL KENYA
Non-Profit Organization Brings Affordable Solution to Households in the Dark
(Lancaster PA)    22 million people living in rural Kenya have no light in their homes.  But the dedicated, driven team at Horizon Initiative have made it their mission to change that -- one household at a time.  

Horizon Initiative, headquartered in Lancaster, is hosting "Lights On:  A Night for a Brighter Africa" on Thursday, February 19.  The goal of the event is to increase awareness of this problem within the community, and showcase both reliable and affordable energy solutions.

"Imagine a life where darkness is the norm," said Bill Power, Horizon CEO.  "Think of how that unlit home would make earning a living far more difficult, reading and schoolwork impossible.  We can change that, and in doing so, improve the quality of life for so many in need."

Horizon Initiative is a non-profit organization that rescues Kenya’s orphaned children, and through housing, education and medical support, successfully transitions them to a life of self-sustainability. Horizon's mission also includes energy sustainability among rural Kenyan communities located off the power grid.

Through this community outreach initiative, Horizon has already distributed more than 500 solar lanterns to families living in poverty and darkness. These ‘solar kits’ mean that families no longer rely on costly and caustic kerosene to fuel lamps, improved home safety, cleaner household air, money saved, and a brightly lit home so that women can work later hours, and children can study after school.  

Results of the solar lighting project have been staggering, Power added.

"We've seen a dramatic improvement in the households we've transitioned to this clean, reliable and affordable lighting alternative," he said.  "Family health has improved, and kids are doing much better in school.  We know we are making a positive impact."

But it's only the beginning, he emphasizes.  

"Our work is just getting started," Power stated.  "That's why we need all of Lancaster to come out and learn how they can be a part of our mission to empower those in poverty to self-sustainability."

The Lancaster business community has stepped up their support for Horizon's mission, including a partnership with Alternative Energy Development Group (AEDG) that specializes in clean, affordable and sustainable energy.

Chris Fraga, AEDG's CEO, brings state-of-the-art solutions to this staggering problem, and is eager to work toward Horizon's goals.

"Self-sustainability and innovation is at the heart of all we do at AEDG," Fraga said.  "Which aligns us well with Horizon's mission to bring solar to rural Kenya. We're honored to call ourselves their Energy Ambassador in this cause."

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

SolarSense, a provider of clean, reliable and affordable power for commercial and industrial scale customers in the U.S., announced the commissioning and financing of 2.15 megawatts (MW) of net metering projects utilizing American-made AllEarth Solar Trackers.
The five solar tracking projects, all net metered in Vermont, were commissioned and placed in service in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Among the projects were three, 500 kilowatt (kW) projects for the State of Vermont, providing solar energy at below market rates to correctional facilities and state office buildings.
Two additional projects are providing solar energy to three prominent Vermont businesses – Danforth Pewter, Gardener’s Supply, and Wake Robin.  All projects are retaining the Renewable Energy Credits associated with the energy production.
The five projects were all constructed utilizing AllEarth Solar Trackers, manufactured in Williston, Vt. by AllEarth Renewables, which track the sun throughout the day to maximize energy production.  The award-winning trackers are utilized across the U.S. for residential and commercial scale solar projects. 
The 24-panel trackers are equipped with SunPower solar panels, the most efficient solar photovoltaic (PV) panel commercially available.  SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR) is a leading solar technology and global energy services provider based in Silicon Valley, Ca.   
Building on the success of 2014, SolarSense and AllEarth will develop, construct, and finance 6MW of net metering projects in 2015-2016, largely for State of Vermont facilities and their power needs.
“The optimized design pairing of ultra-high efficiency SunPower solar panels with the reliable AllEarth dual axis tracker to harvest the sun has proven to be a winning combination,” said Chris Fraga, founder and CEO of SolarSense LLC, the project developer.  “We celebrate the State of Vermont’s commitment to sourcing solar generated power through long term Power Purchase Agreements, and the commitment to sustainability by the teams at Danforth Pewter, Gardener’s Supply, and Wake Robin.”
“We are excited to be working with SolarSense as a financing partner.  Their expertise in financing renewable energy projects around the country will help us continue our national growth,” said David Blittersdorf, president and CEO of AllEarth Renewables.  “By utilizing our tracking technology, we can maximize production, boosting the total solar savings for both the off-taking customers and the economic returns for the owners of each project.” 

Danforth Pewter and Gardener’s Supply Company, a nationally known businesses based in Vermont, has partnered on a solar system for emission-free power. Danforth Pewter, a family business producing fine pewter work, is located in Middlebury Middlebury with stores in Burlington, Woodstock and Waterbury. Gardener’s Supply, an employee-owned business providing environmentally friendly gardening products, has its headquarters in Burlington. They have cooperated on a new solar array on the Pulling Farm in Addison.
   The 144 kilowatt (kW) system consists of SunPower 345-watt photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted on dual axis AllSun Trackers supplied by AllEarth Renewables of Williston, Vermont. The tracking mounts follow the sun, so the panels get greatest exposure as the sun moves across the sky. This means that the panels will provide optimal performance for the location where they are installed.
   Because the system is optimized, it should produce 36% more energy than fixed-tilt PVs mounted on racks. A test of the tracking system got 1660 kWh of electricity per kW of PV panels, over the course of a year.
   The electricity from the system is supplied through a power purchase agreement with SolarSense, LLC. The system operates through Green Mountain Power’s net metering program, so Danforth Pewter and Gardener’s Supply will be getting electricity at below market rates through the contract with SolarSense. SolarSense is also undertaking to support a child in the Vermont Make-A-Wish Foundation as part of their “Watts for Wishes” charity program.
   Fred and Judi Danforth, owners of Danforth Pewter. Photo courtesy of Anjanette Lemak, Designer at Danforth Pewter.
   Chris Fraga, founder and CEO of SolarSense, LLC, commented on the project, “This is a win through and through for Vermont and the stakeholders in the project.” He stressed the fact that a number of suppliers and service partners were Vermont companies. In addition, the Vermont Economic Development Authority provided debt financing, and Green Mountain Power provided interconnects as part of their work to make Vermont a leader in Sustainable Energy. He added, “This project epitomizes our mission of socially conscious energy development, and we could not be more honored to be part of this initiative.”