Co-op's Dave Tatlock, Acorn Energy's Greg Pahl, and National Bank of Middlebury's Ken Perine sign financing documents for the Acorn Energy Solar One project.
Acorn Energy Solar One project
community collaboration in Middlebury, VT
Co-operative Insurance Companies, Acorn Renewable Energy Co-op, and the Town of Middlebury are partners in a community solar energy project in Middlebury.
Co-op provided equity financing for the $700,000 project, and Vermont Small Business Development Corp and the National Bank of Middlebury provided loans. Individual members of Acorn Energy Co-op are also participating. The group has a 25-year lease with the Town of Middlebury for an acre of land near a former wastewater treatment plant.
Starting operation in December, 2011, the 528-panel ground-mounted solar array will produce more than 172,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually -- enough to power 30 average homes. One-third of the power generated from the project will go to Co-op Insurance, one-third to the Town of Middlebury, and one-third to participating members of the Acorn Energy Co-op.
Co-op is proud to invest in our community's energy future, to help put community land to productive use, and to be part of a co-operative effort that brings together individuals, business, town government, and co-ops for a common goal.
