BRANCHBURG, N.J., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ ---Vanguard Energy Partners, a leader in the design and installation of large-scale solar electric systems, announced today that it has been awarded a contract by the Somerset County Improvement Authority (SCIA) to establish 7.6 megawatts (MW) of energy-producing solar power systems at 31 local and County government locations throughout Somerset County, N.J. It is one of New Jersey's largest public solar energy generating projects.
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The clean and silent solar photovoltaic systems will save taxpayers $18.35 million over the term of the 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) and avoid an estimated 15,428,397 lbs of carbon emissions annually. This is equivalent to taking 1,338 passenger vehicles off the road or preserving 66.4 acres every year.
"This project will save taxpayers more than $1 million per year in energy costs, significantly decrease carbon emissions and greatly contribute toward achieving our long-term sustainability goals," said Freeholder Director Jack M. Ciattarelli. "Just as importantly, with this bold initiative, we continue to demonstrate environmental leadership and our commitment to keeping Somerset the 'greenest' county in New Jersey."
Under the terms of the PPA, there will be no capital outlay for any of the participating local governments. Vanguard will build, own, operate and maintain the solar systems for 15 years, selling the renewable electricity to the County at predictable, discounted rates. Citi, acting through its Municipal Securities Division, will be an equity investor in the project with Vanguard.
In addition, the projects will include an educational component that will track solar performance through a real-time, web-based monitoring system provided by Branchburg, N.J. - based Noveda Technologies.
"We are excited and pleased to support Somerset County's outstanding leadership and commitment to its citizens and the environment," said Vanguard CEO Jim LaFleur. "This private-public partnership in renewable energy is a win-win because it will save money for taxpayers, support the local economy, and benefit the environment."
About Vanguard Energy Partners, LLC
Vanguard Energy Partners, LLC (www.vanguardenergypartners.com) designs and integrates large-scale solar electric systems for businesses, government agencies, educational institutions and utilities. With operating offices in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida, Vanguard excels at providing turnkey solar electric solutions for the private and public sectors. With extensive experience in construction, commercial roofing and electrical systems management, Vanguard has completed over 150 solar installations with more than 12 MW of DC rated capacity and another 7 MW under construction.
SOURCE Vanguard Energy Partners, LLC
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