The Honesdale-based Clean Energy Cooperative Inc. has been awarded a Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) grant from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to improve the solar output of downtown Honesdale. The Cooperage building on Main Street will soon join at least four other downtown businesses to have solar panels arrayed on their roofs and providing their electricity. Earlier solar installations were able to take advantage of PA State incentives to help with the large upfront costs. With those gone, the Co-op was formed last year with a goal to pull together local investment and establish a Power Purchase Agreement business model. This business model, when applied to solar is better known as ‘solar panel leasing;’ it will allow more local community buildings to enjoy the benefits of clean energy production, with zero up-front cost.
The REAP grant, for up to $17,830, will be used toward the construction of the Co-op’s first community-scale solar system. The work on the Cooperage roof to install the 90 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels should start later this month. The installation is expected to be complete and the array fully operating by the end of December. Upon completion, the Cooperage Project, a not-for profit community organization and primary tenant of the Cooperage building, will purchase the generated electricity from the Co-op.
“Investing locally in clean, renewable energy brings many positive long-term benefits, both financially and in other ways, such as less air and water pollution, a lower carbon footprint, greater local economic resiliency and energy independence. With the Clean Energy Co-op, our members have decided to invest directly in our community and in its future.” says Jack Barnett, local resident and president of the organization.
The Clean Energy Co-op is a for-profit community-owned cooperative organization, in which its members plan local projects and may decide to invest for a long-term modest return. The Co-op is already looking for suggestions for more local clean energy projects, solar or otherwise, that align with its mission. That mission is to sustainably develop renewable energy resources for a healthy and just energy future for our community, using local investment and providing positive returns to its members. Visit www.CleanEnergy.Coop for more information and to keep up with all the Co-op’s projects and activities. Co-op membership is open to anyone with similar interests for a one-time $100 fee for individuals.
The REAP grant, for up to $17,830, will be used toward the construction of the Co-op’s first community-scale solar system. The work on the Cooperage roof to install the 90 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels should start later this month. The installation is expected to be complete and the array fully operating by the end of December. Upon completion, the Cooperage Project, a not-for profit community organization and primary tenant of the Cooperage building, will purchase the generated electricity from the Co-op.
“Investing locally in clean, renewable energy brings many positive long-term benefits, both financially and in other ways, such as less air and water pollution, a lower carbon footprint, greater local economic resiliency and energy independence. With the Clean Energy Co-op, our members have decided to invest directly in our community and in its future.” says Jack Barnett, local resident and president of the organization.
The Clean Energy Co-op is a for-profit community-owned cooperative organization, in which its members plan local projects and may decide to invest for a long-term modest return. The Co-op is already looking for suggestions for more local clean energy projects, solar or otherwise, that align with its mission. That mission is to sustainably develop renewable energy resources for a healthy and just energy future for our community, using local investment and providing positive returns to its members. Visit www.CleanEnergy.Coop for more information and to keep up with all the Co-op’s projects and activities. Co-op membership is open to anyone with similar interests for a one-time $100 fee for individuals.
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