Solar Panel Program Pays Off In Several Ways At Salem State University

SALEM, MA — Salem State University is catching some rays, saving energy costs and curbing its carbon emissions through the installation of five more solar arrays on campus.

The school said it has partnered with Solect Energy and PowerOptions to install the five new arrays on Meier Hall and the O'Keefe Complex. School officials said the project is expected to save about $1.3 million in energy costs over the 20-year lifespan of the panels and avoid more than 154,000 metric tons of carbon emissions.

Combined with six previously installed arrays, the university's solar capacity is about 1 megawatt.

"Expanding Salem State's rooftop solar arrays is an important step toward our carbon neutrality goal," SSU Vice President of Finance and Facilities Karen House during an installation ceremony on Tuesday. "These solar projects reduce our campus's climate impact while also supporting our financial goals.

"We are proud to continue advancing our commitment to sustainability."

Officials said the pre-negotiated partnership allowed the panels to be installed at no cost to the university with monitoring and maintenance provided. In return, the university has an agreement to purchase energy generated from the panels at what it called "significantly reduced" rates compared to buying off the region's electric grid.

"Salem State provides an example of climate action leadership that other organizations can look to when planning for sustainability," PowerOptions CEO Heather Takle said. "The university has reduced carbon emissions while also reducing energy costs, and we are thrilled PowerOptions is part of their strategy."

"This project is a testament to the university's commitment to sustainability and fiscal responsibility, and we are thrilled to be a part of it," Solect Energy GM of Storage Development Alex Keally added.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)