Solar Power for Non-Profits
Friday, February 29, 2008 at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, Westborough MA
A workshop for Massachusetts non-profit organizations and government agencies interested in installing on-site solar panels. Sponsored by PowerOptions and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC).
Non-profits cannot take advantage of renewable energy tax credits and it is difficult for them to bring project costs down to the point where they can actually save money over the lifetime of their solar panels (also known as photovoltaics or PV). Some institutions have been able to savings by hosting on-site PV in partnership with a for-profit entity that can take advantage of tax credits. This business model is similar to the cell tower leases that many institutions host on their buildings. Solar panels are installed and connected by the for-profit partner at no net cost to the institution, and they sometimes generate net savings. This workshop will provide background information on solar and begin to explore this partnering process, which has been successfully implemented by other organizations.
Meeting Agenda
8:30 Breakfast and registration
9:00 Goals for the workshop, introduction to solar power
| Goals: Carter Wall, PowerOptions and Jon Abe, MTC (View Presentation - 17MB) |
| Introduction to Solar: Newell Thomas, Lighthouse Electric (View Presentation - 5MB) |
9:30 Solar Case Studies by Non-Profit Organizations
| Mass Audubon Solar Projects: Stuart Weinreb, Mass Audubon Society (View Presentation - 10MB) |
| Cape Light Compact Solarize Our Schools: Joe Soares, Cape Light Compact (View Presentation - 10MB) |
10:15 Break
10:30 Solar project development process
| Newell Thomas, Lighthouse Electric (View Presentation - 2MB) |
11:30 Rebates: Commonwealth Solar
| Jon Abe, MTC (View Presentation - <1MB) |
11:45 Third-party Financing Options
| Ned Chaney, American Capital Energy (View Presentation - <1MB) |
12:00 Next Steps and Wrap Up
| Carter Wall, PowerOptions and Jon Abe, MTC |
For more information, call Carter Wall at 617-737-8480.
