Temple Aliyah, an egalitarian Conservative congregation, has partnered with Solect Energy, the state’s leading commercial-scale installer of solar energy systems, and PowerOptions, the region’s largest energy buying consortium, to install an 81 kilowatt (kW) solar energy system on the synagogue’s roof.
The solar array consists of 265 photovoltaic (PV) panels and is expected to produce 85,170 kilowatt hours (kwH) of energy annually. The power generated will cover 92 percent of the synagogue’s energy needs. It is projected that Temple Aliyah will save approximately $6,600 in energy expenses in the first year, and nearly $245,000 over the course of 20 years.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new system was held at Temple Aliyah on Sunday, Nov. 5. Guests included representatives from the synagogue’s solar partners, Solect Energy and PowerOptions; State Rep. Denise Garlick; and Michael Greis of Green Needham Collaborative.
The synagogue’s new solar energy system came to fruition through Solect’s partnership with PowerOptions, which selected Solect as the developer for its small systems solar program. Temple Aliyah has been a member of PowerOptions’ energy buying consortium for several years. When it became clear that the synagogue would pursue solar energy, they again looked to PowerOptions for assistance.
Temple Aliyah was able to pursue a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) through PowerOptions’ solar program with Solect Energy. Under the terms of the PPA, Solect owns the synagogue’s system, covering the costs of procuring, installing, operating and maintaining it. Solect then sells the synagogue electricity generated by the array at a substantially reduced, fixed rate — saving Temple Aliyah thousands of dollars each year.
“Temple Aliyah is always looking for opportunities to reduce the synagogue’s carbon footprint and to reduce operational costs,” said Fred Borgenicht, Temple Aliyah’s Vice President of Operations. “Installing solar panels through the PowerOptions program was a no-brainer since they had already done the hard work of conducting a competitive solicitation for the best deal and negotiated the pricing and contract terms.”
“At Temple Aliyah, we are focused on making a better future for our community, both large and small,” said David Farbman, Temple Aliyah President. “We believe that by significantly reducing our carbon footprint by hosting one of the largest solar arrays of any house of worship in the state, we are helping both our synagogue and our wider world at the same time.”
“Temple Aliyah turned to solar to substantially reduce their operating costs,” said Alex Keally, Partner and SVP of Business Operations at Solect Energy. “The Synagogue’s flat roof made it ideal for installing a large array that could generate 90+ percent of their electricity needs. We applaud the synagogue’s leadership on their move to solar, and for now having the distinction of hosting one of the largest solar systems on a house of worship in the state of Massachusetts.”
Said Rabbi Carl Perkins, “Our tradition teaches us that we have a duty ‘to till and to tend’ the precious world which is our collective home. That implies that we must seek to conserve natural resources, including energy. By capturing some of the energy contained in the sunlight falling on our property, we are making progress in our quest to be faithful stewards of this precious collective home which has been entrusted to us.”
“At PowerOptions, our mission is to save nonprofit organizations time and money, so they can focus resources on pursuing their own important missions,“ said PowerOptions President and CEO Cynthia Arcate. “Temple Aliyah’s congregation benefits from cleaner, renewable energy and lower energy costs.”
About Solect Energy
Solect Energy is a full-service solar photovoltaic (PV) project developer and installer based in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, delivering smart solar and energy management solutions to help businesses and organizations reduce energy costs. As an industry leader in commercial-scale solar energy, Solect takes a practical approach to the development, installation and ongoing support of each system. We partner closely with our customers, providing strong financial insight and solar technology expertise to optimize their investment while creating a positive impact on the environment. Solect currently has installed over 65 MW (megawatts) of commercial PV systems, with a primary focus on commercial, light industrial and institutional properties in New England. For more information, visit http://www.solect.com
About PowerOptions
PowerOptions is a nonprofit energy buying consortium that delivers cost savings and predictability to nonprofits and the public sector in New England. Headquartered in Boston, PowerOptions serves its nearly 500 members with electricity, natural gas and solar, with combined annual energy sales of approximately $200 million. With a 95 percent member retention rate, a proven supplier selection process and a dedication to personalized customer service, PowerOptions provides programs, services and solutions that educate and bring value to its membership. Established in 1998, any nonprofit or public institution in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut is eligible to participate in this collective purchasing effort. For more information, visit www.poweroptions.org
About Temple Aliyah
Temple Aliyah is an egalitarian Conservative congregation in Needham, Massachusetts, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. We are a dynamic and diverse community that embraces people of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles. With the guidance of Rabbi Carl Perkins, we encourage our members to enrich their Jewish lives, to enhance their Jewish identities, and to engage in lifelong learning.
