The Stafford Hill Solar Farm is the USA’s first project to build a micro-grid powered by solar and battery back-up, with no other fuel source.
Green Mountain Power (GMP) began construction on Stafford Hill earlier this week. The facility will incorporate 7,700 solar panels with a total of 2 MW capacity – enough to power hundreds of homes.
The solar farm’s stand-out feature is 4MWh of battery storage. The project will be developed in such a way that it can be entirely disconnected from the mains grid and providing critical power for an emergency shelter at the high school.
“As part of our commitment to provide reliable, clean and cost-effective power to customers, GMP recognizes how important it is to power critical infrastructure such as schools and shelters in an emergency,” said Green Mountain Power President and CEO Mary Powell. “With the frequency of major storms growing, this project is critical and demonstrates how GMP is continuing to lead the way with innovative energy solutions to meet everyday challenges.”
A major ice storm in December last year caused millions of dollars of damage in seven northern Vermont counties. Up to an inch of ice accumulated in the region and blackouts were common – a particularly life threatening situation given the temperatures. In 2011, Tropical Storm Irene also caused substantial damages and power outages.
Governor Peter Shumlin attended an event for the launch of construction.
“With this project, Vermont remains on the cutting edge of the renewable energy front,” GovernorShumlin said. “The clean energy industry creates jobs and is good for the environment. Storing renewable power has always been a challenge, and I’m proud that we’re here today to take that next step forward. It’s projects like these that continue to make Vermont the leader in green jobs.”
The Stafford Hill Solar Farm will also be making use of “brownfield” (contaminated) land – it will be sited at what was previously the Rutland City landfill.
The $10 million project is expected to be complete in mid-December.
Green Mountain Power serves more than 250,000 electricity customers in Vermont and has a special focus on renewable energy. The company was named 2014 Solar Champion by Vote Solar.
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