ReKnew Energy Systems | Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Renewable Energy Systems

ReKnew Celebrates Camel’s Hump Middle School

Camel’s Hump Middle School in Richmond, Vermont held a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 4 for their new solar electric (PV) system. The PV system was designed and installed by ReKnew Energy Systems! This is ReKnew’s 5th school installation in Vermont, most of which would not have been possible without the assistance of Senator Bernie Sanders. A link to the full press release is here.

This 507-panel system is the largest solar installation on any public school in Vermont to date. The half million dollar project was paid for largely from Federal and State funding, and in part by Green Mountain Power, the utility. Generating over 135,000 kWh per year, the solar energy is expected to cut the school’s electric costs by almost $25,000 annually. Read More »

ReKnew Nominates Advance Transit for Governor’s Award

Last year ReKnew Energy Systems nominated Advance Transit of Wilder, VT for the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. The awards have just been announced and Advance Transit (AT) won their award for pollution prevention, resource and energy conservation, and waste reduction. An awards ceremony will be held June 30 in the State House. ReKnew’s nomination was spurred by our recognition of AT’s efforts towards sustainability in their recent building additions/renovations including their 31 kW solar PV system by ReKnew!

Sanders Helps ReKnew Celebrate FiT Project

The first non-profit solar feed-in tariff (FiT) project has just been commissioned at the headquarters of Advance Transit in Wilder, Vermont. This 31.68 kW solar electric system, designed and installed by ReKnew Energy Systems, is currently the only FiT project belonging to a non-profit organization. The Advance Transit (AT) project may seem small compared to other megawatt sized FiT projects still under development, but AT’s project supports a big goal. AT will make 30 cents per kilowatt hour which is expected to bring in about $10,000 per year through the “standard offer” contract. AT will use the money to continue to support public transportation throughout the Upper Valley. A solar FiT celebration was held at AT headquarters on Friday, January 21 where long-time renewable supporter, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders spoke.

From the Left: Steve Tofel, Van Chesnut, Senator Sanders

As an added benefit, all major components for the solar energy system were sourced from New England. This includes the PV modules, Solectria inverters, and PanelClaw racking system, all from Massachusetts. WattMetrics, of Randolph, VT, has provided the monitoring system which is available for public viewing.

Vermont Representative Margaret Cheney said, “Congratulations to ReKnew Energy Systems and to Advance Transit on their successful installation of one of the state’s new feed-in tariff solar projects. Last year we became the first state in the nation to allow such a pricing mechanism for small renewable energy projects. It’s a perfect example of the kind of enterprise we hoped to promote — clean, in-state power that benefits both our environment and the local economy. Advance Transit, in helping to reduce our transportation footprint , makes the perfect partner for this project.”

From the left: Gov. Jim Douglas, Bob Young (CVPS President)

Governor Douglas helped CVPS unveil their 50 kW photovoltaic array in Rutland, Vermont. ReKnew designed and constructed this array in 2009 with the help of IBEW, Stafford Technical Center students, and a local Rutland solar contractor. Governor Douglas called the project a “true renewable education complex.” The press release (with a link) is below.

From the left: David Tofel, Lead Residential Installer, Senator Sanders, Brett Tofel, Principal

From the left: David Tofel (Lead Residential Sales), Senator Sanders, Brett Tofel (Principal)

Bernie Sanders met with ReKnew at the Salmon Run Apartment complex in Burlington to publicize the largest solar hot water installation in the history of Vermont. Sanders helped secure funds for solar hot water projects in four different low-income housing apartments and ReKnew will begin installations at Salmon Run this year. The Rutland Herald, Fox 44, WCAX and Vermont Public Radio reported. The original press release from the Senator’s office (with a link) is below.

ReKnew and IBEW

Vermont Solar Contractors Prosper with IBEW
December 28, 2009

“The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 725,000 members who work in a wide variety of fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads and government.”

The Green Mountain State is getting greener as Montpelier Local 300 builds fertile relationships with influential, home-grown renewable energy contractors who are looking to expand with new support from the state legislature.

ReKnew Featured in Vermont Business Magazine

The December 2009 issue of Vermont Business Magazine featured ReKnew’s commercial work in the article “The Stafford Solar Experience.” Pick up a copy or read the article below.

ReKnew and CVPS Build Solar Array Power Station

ReKnew Energy is proud to announce our new partnership with Central Vermont Public Service Corp. (CVPS) – Vermont’s largest electric utility. We will be working with Stafford Technical Center students and CV Solar and Wind of Rutland to install a 265-panel array near Rt. 7 in Rutland.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20090728/NEWS04/907280355