Making a Statement

Smith College in Northampton, MA, recently partnered with Community Energy to install solar panels on the roof of the College's Campus Center, to produce clean energy and reduce operating costs while lowering carbon emissions. Throughout its life, the system will reduce carbon emissions by 253 metric tons, which is equivalent to the carbon that would be removed by planting 333 trees per year for 20 years.

“I am thrilled that we are able to place this demonstration of renewable power on the building that is the crossroads of our campus,” said Dano Weisbord, Smith’s environmental sustainability director.

How it Works

The solar system will be financed through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with renewable energy developer and marketer Community Energy, Inc.

Under the agreement, Community Energy will own and operate the system, which enables the college to take advantage of the renewable power source without funding the system’s purchase up front. Community Energy will sell Smith College electricity produced by the system at a locked-in rate for 20 years, insulating the college from rising energy costs.