Developer from West Hartford, Connecticut Verogy has completed a 139.5 kW solar project on the roof of the York Judicial Center in Biddeford, Maine.
The state-of-the-art system, consisting of 256 solar panels, will significantly reduce the building’s carbon footprint and provide a reliable source of clean energy for decades to come. The installation of the York Judicial Center is the first solar energy project completed for the Judicial Branch of the State of Maine.
“Verogy is excited to have the opportunity to partner with the Maine Judicial Branch to deliver a solar energy project that will generate clean energy while advancing the state’s sustainability goals,” said Will Herchel, CEO of Verogy. “Our project at the York Judicial Center is a great example of how Maine leaders are working to ensure their state is better prepared for the impacts of climate change.”
In 2019, Maine Governor Janet Mills and the state legislature created the Maine Climate Council. The Council, made up of scientists, industry experts, bipartisan officials and citizens, developed a four-year action plan entitled “Maine Won’t Wait.” The plan outlines measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Maine by 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050, with a goal of carbon neutrality by 2045.
Since its release in 2020, “Maine Won’t Wait” has articulated climate action strategies, including steps to modernize buildings across the state. Heating, cooling and lighting of buildings in Maine are the source of nearly one-third of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. To help address this challenge, Maine has pledged to lead by example with publicly funded buildings like the York Judicial Center. By adopting renewable energy for state buildings, Maine’s state government will reduce emissions while lowering operating costs for taxpayers.
The York Judicial Center solar project will produce more than 162 MWh of clean energy annually. The project was awarded to Verogy in September 2021 after the company won a competitive state RFP process. The project was completed under a twenty-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between the Maine Judicial Branch and Verogy, which allows the state to purchase electricity at a significantly discounted rate. The PPA provides a reduced rate so that as electricity costs increase in the future, the Maine Judicial Branch will continue to pay a lower amount for electricity.
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