Greenwich Public Schools Partners with Mercury Solar Systems to Complete First Solar Project

GREENWICH, Conn., March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Greenwich Public Schools has flipped the switch on its first solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Greenwich High School (GHS), one of the largest high schools in Connecticut.  The renewable energy system will not only supply clean energy for GHS but will provide excellent opportunities for students and the community to learn about the benefits of alternative energy sources.  

The Town of Greenwich became eligible for the free solar panel installation when it became a Clean Energy Community in January 2010.  The Clean Energy Communities Program is sponsored by the CT Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) (formerly CT Clean Energy Fund).    The project was designed and installed by Mercury Solar Systems with funding provided through a grant by the CEFIA.

"I am pleased that our commitment to becoming a Clean Energy Community has resulted in this green opportunity for Greenwich Public Schools," stated First Selectman, Peter Tesei.  "It took us a while to complete all of the steps required for the Clean Energy Program and it is gratifying to see our efforts paying off."  The Board of Selectmen, at the request of the Conservation Commission, passed a resolution in March 2008 committing the Town to clean energy thus providing the impetus for the Town to become a Clean Energy Community by 2010. 

"As a Greenwich resident and parent of two children attending Greenwich High School, I am thrilled to see the district become an ambassador for solar energy," commented Frank Alfano, CEO of Mercury Solar Systems. "The new grant program in Connecticut offers districts like Greenwich an opportunity to become more sustainable and we expect this will drive the adoption of solar energy throughout the State."

The 7.7 kilowatt (kW) solar system was installed on the science building at Greenwich High School in November 2011. It is expected to produce 8,800 kWh of energy which is equivalent to recycling over 150,000 cans of soda and planting 500 trees.

"We are excited about the possibilities this system offers, from energy savings to providing a learning tool for our students," said Superintendent of Schools, Roger Lulow.  "The District understands the importance of being green and we hope Greenwich can serve as a role model for other Connecticut schools."

To download hi-resolution images of the solar project click here.

About Mercury Solar Systems

Mercury Solar Systems is one of the leading solar integrators on the East Coast recognized for two consecutive years as one of Inc. 500's fastest growing energy companies. The Company designs and installs solar panels and solar energy systems for commercial and residential customers and to date has installed nearly 2,000 solar systems in excess of 35MW of energy. Mercury Solar Systems is a subsidiary of Mercury Energy, a leading provider of solar energy systems throughout the United States. For more information visit www.MercurySolarSystems.com.

Mercury Solar Systems is a registered trademark of Mercury Solar Systems, Inc. 

About Greenwich Public Schools

The Greenwich Public Schools serve 8,800 students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. There are eleven elementary neighborhood schools, three middle schools, and one high school. The Mission of the Greenwich Public Schools is:

• to educate all students to the highest levels of academic achievement;
• to enable them to reach and expand their potential; and
• to prepare them to become productive, responsible, ethical, creative and compassionate members of society.

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA)

CEFIA was created by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2011. It is the successor organization to the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CEFIA's mission is to promote, develop and invest in clean energy and energy efficiency projects in order to strengthen Connecticut's economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CEFIA is governed by an 11-member board of directors appointed by the governor and the leadership of the State Legislature. As the nation's first full-scale clean energy finance authority, CEFIA will leverage public and private funds to drive investment and scale up clean energy deployment in Connecticut. For more information on CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

Media Contacts:

For Greenwich Public Schools:
Kim Eves, Director of Communications
203-625-7415
[email protected]

For Mercury Solar Systems:
Kellie Walsh, PR Manager
914-315-6072
[email protected]

SOURCE Mercury Solar Systems