Kyocera Solar, Inc., NJ Solar Power, LLC and Solar Power Partners, Inc. announced the completion of a 1.16 Megawatt (MW) solar energy system at The Masonic Home of New Jersey. The completed installation will be inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this summer.
Designed and installed by NJ Solar Power, LLC on property owned by the Masons since the mid-1800s, the photovoltaic system consists of 5,656 Kyocera KD205 modules. The panels are ground-mounted in a single, contiguous design utilizing UniRac structures and four PV-powered, PVP 260-480 inverters.
With an estimated yearly power production of 1,547,412 kilowatt hours (kWh), the utility-tied system is enough to power 145 average homes. The site required special zoning permits to guarantee the protection of the buildings and surrounding landscape.
A power purchase agreement (PPA), provided by Solar Power Partners, Inc. (using
institutional financing and Solar Renewable Energy Certificates) will allow the Burlington Property to purchase the electricity without incurring the initial cost of system installation.
The project is the latest in a series of east coast installations for Solar Power Partners, a Larkspur, California-based developer and owner.
The full-service integrator — NJ Solar Power — was the east coast workforce for this project and will continue to service the Masons throughout the life of the solar panels.
“Our company is committed to providing cost-effective energy that is environmentally and socially responsible, as are our partners in the project: Kyocera and Solar Power Partners,” stated Bill Hoey, CEO of NJ Solar Power. “This bicoastal collaboration proved highly successful and will yield excellent results for the Masons.”
The conversion to solar energy also serves as a cost-cutting measure for the Burlington
Lodge Masons. “The Masons have a long history of being responsible global citizens — their conversion to solar energy will minimize both their carbon footprint and utility expenses,” commented Bob Powell, President and CEO of Solar Power Partners, Inc. “Making the PPA available for the members of the Burlington Lodge ensures that they will have access to clean energy at a stable rate for years to come.”
As the cost of traditional fossil fuels increase, so does the market for sustainable energy solutions. Kyocera, with a 35-year history of innovation in the solar industry, continues to provide high quality solar modules to meet this global demand.
“To meet increasing market demand, Kyocera continues to seize opportunities for growth and innovation in solar energy while developing key partnerships with industry leaders to provide clean alternatives to fossil fuel-generated electricity,” said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc. “The Masons’ progressive approach in converting their historic facilities to renewable energy and working with Solar Power Partners and NJ Solar Power made this a rewarding venture.”