Green Energy Partners, LLC, large-scale solar projects specialist, and the Town of Tusten’s 109.8 KW solar system is now fully online and generating electricity since its completion in late 2016.
The ballasted ground-mount solar project, which was co-developed by Renewable Edge, LLC, is a part of Green Energy Partners’ effort to help small towns and boroughs build solar systems without requiring up-front capital investment.
Tusten’s solar system was financed with a 25-year power purchase agreement that stipulates in the town will begin paying a reduced fixed rate of 0.0989 cents per watt in years 21 to 25. According to the company, this payment method is expected to save the town from paying tens of thousands of dollars.
“This solar project … completed last year, will help the Town of Tusten save money by saving energy, while also benefitting the environment by avoiding harmful greenhouse gas emissions,” said William R. DePhillipo, founder of Green Energy Partners.
Built on a quarter-acre of land at the Tusten Town Barn, the solar project is anticipated to generate 141,226 kilowatt hours of energy, avoid nearly 100 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and recycle over 30 tons of waste each year.
Moreover, the project makes Tusten the first township in Sullivan County to have a solar system that offsets the town’s energy needs. Tusten town supervisor Carol Ropke Wingert described it as a “groundbreaking accomplishment” for the municipal government and the Tusten Energy Committee.
“We are inspiring other neighboring municipalities to follow suit and have been meeting with and providing assistance as requested,” Wingert said.
