WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
WGL Energy Systems (WGL Energy), a WGL company (NYSE:WGL), today announced the completion of a 3.2 megawatt (MW) solar facility in Devens, a 4,400-acre community in north-central Massachusetts. The fully installed photovoltaic (PV) solar system is designed to provide power to the residential, commercial and industrial customers of the Devens Utilities Department. MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development authority, is redeveloping Devens – a former U.S. Army base – into a mixed-use community.
The system consists of 10,488 rooftop solar panels installed on top of two buildings in Devens at 66 Saratoga Boulevard and 18 Independence Drive.
WGL Energy, with more than 205 MW DC of distributed solar power capacity operational or under contract in 19 states across the U.S., owns and operates the facility and will sell power to the Devens community under a 24-year power purchase agreement (PPA).
WGL Energy operates 13 solar projects throughout Massachusetts, with a combined capacity of over 24 MW DC. Sol Systems developed the project and managed the engineering, construction and procurement of equipment for the project’s two solar facilities.
“WGL Energy is proud to support the Devens community with energy solutions,” said Sanjiv Mahan, president, WGL Energy Systems. “We are dedicated to delivering energy answers that empower customers to incorporate renewable energy as a source, to lower carbon emissions, and to reduce energy spend.”
“With zero-net-energy homes and acres of protected open space, Devens is at the forefront of sustainability in north-central Massachusetts,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “Providing diverse energy sources for our businesses and residents is a top priority of the Devens Utilities Department, and we’re pleased to work with WGL Energy on this innovative project.”
“Sol Systems values the opportunity to partner with WGL Energy and Devens and closely collaborate on a successful solar project,” said Yuri Horwitz, CEO, Sol Systems.
The project, which started at 66 Saratoga Boulevard in Devens in November 2015 and at 18 Independence Drive in Devens in March 2016, was recently completed.
The solar facilities are expected to produce more than 30,000 megawatt hours (MWh) per year of electricity, which avoids more than 21,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, the equivalent to the amount emitted by more than 4,450 cars or the electric power used by more than 2,200 homes in one year.
About WGL Energy
WGL Energy delivers a full spectrum of energy offerings, including electricity, natural gas, renewable energy, carbon reduction, distributed generation and energy efficiency solutions provided by WGL Energy Services, Inc. and WGL Energy Systems, Inc. To learn more, visit us at www.wglenergy.com. Follow us at @wglenergy on Twitter and WGL Energy on LinkedIn.
About WGL
WGL (NYSE: WGL), headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a leading source for clean, efficient and diverse energy solutions. With activities and assets across the U.S., WGL consists of Washington Gas, WGL Energy, WGL Midstream and Hampshire Gas. WGL provides natural gas, electricity, green power and energy services, including generation, storage, transportation, distribution, supply and efficiency. Our calling as a company is to make energy surprisingly easy for our employees, our community and all our customers. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, small business or multinational corporation, state and local or federal agency, WGL is here to provide Energy Answers. Ask Us. For more information, visit us at www.wgl.com.
About MassDevelopment and Devens
MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2016, MassDevelopment financed or managed 352 projects generating investment of more than $4 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create about 8,200 jobs and build or rehabilitate about 4,200 residential units.
Located in north-central Massachusetts and managed by MassDevelopment, Devens is home to a varied mix of businesses, government organizations, and nonprofits employing nearly 5,000 people. Created by statute in 1993 to support business growth and attract economic development opportunities in the region, the 4,400-acre site features fast-track permitting and other incentives for businesses. The former military installation is recognized today as a national model for military base redevelopment. Along with its business tenants, the Devens community also includes more than 2,100 acres of recreation and open space, private residences, schools, and a network of human and social services providers.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160927006017/en/
