The McNiff Company and Solect Energy partner to install a 111.5 kW solar system on the roof of Cape Ann Forge building

Gloucester, MA The McNiff Company, a commercial real estate owner and developer, has partnered with Solect Energy, the state’s leading commercial installer of solar energy systems, to install a 111.5 kilowatt (kW) solar system on the roof of its Cape Ann Forge office building. The installation will help the company to reach its goal of saving on energy costs in order to grow the business and create lower lease rates for its tenants.

The McNiff Co. is a property ownership group run by Jay McNiff. With the incentives generated from the solar array, The McNiff Co. will be able to reduce energy costs for its tenants, including the Cape Ann Beer Company. McNiff saw the advantages of going solar firsthand after being involved in a smaller solar project at Glen Urquhart, his son’s school in Beverly, Mass.

“It has been a pleasure working with Solect Energy on our solar installation. After taking into consideration the needs of our tenants—in knowing firsthand Solect’s record of accomplishment–we felt it was time to make the switch,” said McNiff. “Moreover, a number of commercial tenants expressed interest in purchasing solar energy. We have to meet the needs of our clients, and this particular install will help to do that.”

Cape Ann Brewing, a client of The McNiff Co., will be an off-taker of a significant portion of the energy produced by the array, with it covering 100% of their energy needs. “Cape Ann Brewing Company is excited about the opportunity to participate in the program offered by the McNiff Co. and their investment in solar energy power. We believe in the need to utilize renewable energy and are committed to supporting this project,” said a representative of Cape Ann Brewing.

Throughout its history, the property development group has sought to practice sustainability by utilizing Massachusetts’ Brownfield program, which provides grants and technical assistance to communities, states and others to assess, clean up and reuse properties that may have previous environmental impacts present–also known as a “brownfield” properties. Their investment in the solar array continues that commitment, avoiding approximately 200,000 pounds of CO2 output every year.

The McNiff Copmany, LLC which includes the Cape Ann Forge Properties a commercial property ownership and development group located in Gloucester, MA. The group was founded in 1986, and has since owned, developed and managed more than 15 commercial, multi tenanted properties in the Gloucester area with tenants that include Cape Ann Brewing Company, NeedyMeds, a nonprofit that works to reduce medical costs as well as other tenants in its Blackburn Center campus where two smaller startups will also enjoy the remainder of the electricity generated by the solar install. Atlantic Salt Works and Pigeon Cove Ferments, both located in Blackburn Center will receive the balance of the produced electricity at the Cape Ann Forge array.

Solect is a full-service solar photovoltaic (PV) project developer and installer based in Hopkinton, Mass., delivering smart solar and energy management solutions to help businesses and organizations reduce energy costs. As an industry leader in commercial-scale solar energy, Solect takes a practical approach to the development, installation and on-going support of each system. We partner closely with our customers, providing strong financial insight and solar technology expertise to optimize their investment while creating a positive impact on the environment. Solect currently has installed over 57 MW (megawatts) of commercial PV systems, with a primary focus on commercial, light industrial and institutional properties in New England.