City of Rutland and AllEarth Renewables propose solar project

A proposed solar farm would bring both clean energy and taxpayer savings to the city. Mayor Christopher Louras announced a proposal developed by AllEarth Renewables, a Williston solar manufacturer, for a 150kW solar farm located at the old poor farm off of Woodstock Ave. Under the project proposal, the city will both receive the clean solar energy and receive a 5% savings, approximately $2,050 annually, on its electric bill for the power the installation produces. The proposed farm will produce an average 205,000 kWh per year using the AllSun Tracker and is expected to produce enough energy to supply city hall, the Jeffords Amtrak Station, and a portion of Giorgetti Arena. The 26 solar trackers would use approximately 1.5 acres. "This is a win-win-win for the city. Taxpayers save immediately on the city's electric bill, the city gets the benefit of clean, locally produced energy, and we are able to kick-start a very promising Solar City initiative. This initiative helps transition Rutland into the 21st Century," said Louras. Rutland is poised to see significant growth in solar investment and energy innovation, as Green Mountain Power has committed to making Rutland Vermont's "Solar city," as part of its merger with CVPS. "This proposal dovetails perfectly with our vision and plans for Rutland," said Mary Powell, president and chief executive officer of Green Mountain Power. "We are thrilled to see the start of a new era of investment and innovation in Rutland, and are enthusiastic about our ability to work along with others to make it happen." AllEarth Renewables has initiated several successful municipal projects with the towns of Hinesburg and Starksboro, as well as recent projects with the University of Vermont, Middlebury College, and Vermont Electric Coop. The Vermont manufactured technology uses innovative GPS and wireless to follow the sun throughout the day to boost solar energy production. "We are excited to be working with the city of Rutland on this innovative proposal. This proposed project is a great example of using solar to both produce local clean energy and deliver energy savings to customers," said David Blittersdorf, CEO of AllEarth Renewables. The project will also serve as an education tool, said mayor Louras. "We think this project will help support positioning Rutland as a center for energy innovation and provide a great local educational tool for our city's students and residents." "This is a great example of a public-private partnership that brings renewable energy into the forefront. It is just one more way that Rutland is moving forward in a positive direction," Sustainable Rutland's Carol Tashie said. "We believe renewable energy must be a part of any community's sustainability plan and this project offers the city of Rutland the opportunity to be a real leader in these efforts."