Solar Project Update
The 136 solar panels are installed and ready to collect sun to help us conserve energy! The final step is to work with our electrician and the city of Burlington inspectors to get the green light to turn on the entire system. Once we have that approval, the solar power project will be fully operational and in service!

The installation of the panels began at the end of January and was completed in approximately three weeks. Working with Vermont-based groSolar the project was attractive to the Co-op as a way to help us further our commitment to sustainability and green building practices.

Coming up next in the solar project is a photo display of the installation and a monitor showing how much sun we are collecting. Look for the display on our Member Artist wall next to the Café soon.

Check out the time lapse videos of our new solar panels being installed onto City Market's roof.

Solar Project Stats
As the project gains momentum we’ve already had a change in plans regarding the number of panels and Kilowatt output; groSolar of White River Junction will be providing more power from fewer panels; 31.28kw from just 136 panels.  This solar generated electricity will produce the equivalent of over 3% of the Co-op’s energy needs or enough electricity to power over six Burlington homes.

Though designed as a straight net metering project, we’re hoping to partner with Burlington Electric to sell directly back to the grid at a premium to further enhance the payback to our store; a first of its kind “Feed in Tariff” of sorts for Burlington Electric.

The solar project will cost $187,912.  But that’s not entirely what the Co-op will pay.  The Vermont Clean Energy Development Fund awarded us a $53,900 grant. These grant funds come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  This year was a fiercely competitive one for grants and City Market’s application was one of only a handful approved in the State of Vermont. In addition to the grant, the Co-op is eligible to receive a $40,204 federal tax credit (30% of our investment in the project.)  This will bring down our out-of-pocket costs for the project to $93,808.

While our hearts may tell us that investing in solar is the right thing to do, this solar project also makes solid business sense.  With a return on investment of over 13% and a payback of less than five years, this is a sure bet and a hedge against electric rate inflation.  

Solar Projects for the Community
In addition to the new solar panels, City Market and groSolar are partnering to offer free monthly Solar Made Simple seminars on February 23, March 23 and April 22, to help educate local residents and business owners about the new economics of solar power. Check out our Calendar for more details on the Solar Made Simple workshops. All workshops are free and open to the public. Sign ups are available at the Customer Service desk or by calling 802-861-9700.