In 2014, Maine Audubon partnered with Shawn Moody, owner of Moody’s Co-Worker Owned, Inc. (“Moody’s”), and Revision Energy to install solar arrays at the Gilsland Farm Audubon Center in Falmouth, with the goal of reducing Maine Audubon’s organizational carbon footprint. Revision Energy installed the 42 kW system, and Moody’s financed the equipment and installation of the project.
The installation consists of six solar trackers (for a total of 144 panels), as well as a rooftop array (composed of 24 panels) on Maine Audubon’s Visitor Center. As part of the Power Purchase Agreement between the two organizations, Maine Audubon purchases electricity generated by the arrays from Moody’s. After a six year period, Maine Audubon has the option to buy the solar installation. Moody’s will be able to recoup its costs through electricity payments, depreciation, federal tax credits, and the repayment cost of the system.
The project was and continues to be mutually beneficial: The system provides roughly four-fifths of Maine Audubon’s annual electricity needs, and qualified Moody’s for federal income tax incentives for which Maine Audubon, as a nonprofit, could not qualify. The first six years of operation have been projected to offset 222 tons of carbon emissions, which is equivalent to 238,453 pounds of coal burned.
Maine Audubon regularly advocates for public policies that support broader adoption of renewable energy technologies and is proud to take action to reduce our own carbon emissions.
More details about the project are available in these posts:
MEDIA RELEASE: Maine Audubon to Install New Solar System at Gilsland Farm Headquarters
MEDIA ADVISORY: Senator Angus King to Unveil New Solar Panels at Maine Audubon on March 20
Any questions may be directed to Maine Audubon Director of Communications Jeremy Cluchey: jcluchey@maineaudubon.org or 207-221-8858.
