Renewable Solar Energy Project Highlight of Ribbon Cutting Celebration

A new renewable solar energy partnership between Northern Essex Community College and Leewood Realty, which owns and operates the Leewood Building in the Newark Street Industrial Park, will result in energy cost savings for the college and scholarships and new learning opportunities for NECC students.

On Tuesday, June 16 at 12 Noon, the new partnership will be celebrated at a ribbon cutting with the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce at the Leewood Building, 60 Newark Street, Haverhill.

As a result of this new agreement, the college will purchase electricity generated by a new 267 kilowatt system, recently installed by Solect Solar on the roof of the Leewood Building.  The electricity generated by the system is being sold at a reduced rate via a net metering purchase agreement to Northern Essex.  It is expected that the college will save more than $250,000 over the course of the 20-year agreement and offset approximately 500,000 pounds of CO2 each year and 10,065,000 pounds over 20 years, helping Northern Essex reach its goal of climate neutrality.

Leewood Realty will provide Northern Essex students and staff rooftop tours of the solar system each year and contribute a $2000 annual scholarship for Northern Essex students enrolled in green courses.

The ribbon cutting will include tours of the solar roof top and a program featuring remarks by Brian Dempsey, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee; Haverhill Mayor Jim Fiorentini, NECC President Lane Glenn, Peter Schwartz of Leewood Realty, and a representative from Solect Solar.  Lunch will be served.

To view real time internet  solar monitoring site for the Leewood / NECC project click here