Charles Moore Arena (CMA), a nonprofit ice rink in Orleans, MA, has collaborated with Solect Energy, the state’s leading commercial installer of solar energy systems based in Hopkinton, MA, to install a 345 kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar system at the arena. The installation will help stabilize and reduce CMA’s biggest operating outlay, as the array will cover 50 percent of its energy demands.
Built in 1972 as a privately-owned rink, CMA offers programs including Learn to Skate, Summer Cross-Ice Youth Hockey, In-House Hockey, Lower Cape Youth Hockey, and more. Looking for opportunities to save on the cost of electricity, Tony Nannini the Rink Manager at Charles Moore Arena turned to solar energy as the long-term solution.
“Going solar was the perfect opportunity for us to take control of our energy costs, and we’re excited to experience the benefits. It has already helped us solve issues with our roof as well,” Tony said. “We’re also grateful to have worked with the expert team at Solect on the installation, which helped us every step of the way.”
The rooftop array is financed under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Solect, meaning Solect owns and operates the solar array, and sells the power generated back to the arena at a reduced, fixed rate for the duration of the agreement. In this case, CMA enjoys substantial cost savings while avoiding up-front capital outlays.
“We were happy to work with a nonprofit like Charles Moore Arena which brings wonderful community programs to the town of Orleans,” said Bob Plakias, Director of Business Development at Solect Energy. “The solar system was a perfect fit for them; it will help them save on energy costs while having simultaneously fixed their roof, and the environmental benefits are, of course, a plus.”
With the savings gained from the solar array installed by Solect, CMA will now be able to put that money to better use by continuing to operate efficiently and offer skating programs to the community at a lower cost.
About Charles Moore Arena
Charles Moore Arena (CMA) is a nonprofit community ice arena located in Orleans, Massachusetts. The rink offers an array of programs including Learn to Skate, Summer Cross-Ice Youth Hockey, In-House Hockey, Lower Cape Youth Hockey, Stick Sessions, Rock Night and Birthday Parties. The CMA is also host to the Lower Cape Coyotes, the travel hockey program, and the Lower Cape Figure Skating Association. The rink holds skating competitions, hockey tournaments and skating shows as well. For more information, visit http://www.charlesmoorearena.org/.
About Solect Energy
Solect is a full-service solar photovoltaic (PV) project developer and installer based in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, 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 65 MW (megawatts) of commercial PV systems, with a primary focus on commercial, light industrial and institutional properties in New England. For more information, visit http://www.solect.com or follow us on Twitter at @SolectSolar.
