Solar Energy Can Save You: Manchester, CT Engineering Firm Claims Environmental and Economic Benefits from Solar Power

May 27, 2009 – Today, Fuss & O’Neill, a national civil and environmental engineering firm, dedicates its recently installed solar electric system in Manchester, CT.  The 119 solar panels mounted on the roof of the firm’s headquarters have an output capacity of 36 kilowatts and will supply a significant portion of the power needed in the building.   
 “The dedication of this photovoltaic (solar electric) system signifies that Fuss & O’Neill is practicing what it is preaching,” said Jeff Heidtman, CEO of Fuss & O’Neill, “Through our environmental engineering work, we help clients devise forward-thinking resource use practices.  Now, we ourselves will consume less of the outdated fuels of the past – coal and oil – by using a cutting-edge energy solution for our headquarters.” 
Alteris Renewables, the largest integrator of renewable energy systems in the Northeast, designed and installed the system. 

“We are pleased that the engineering minds at Fuss & O’Neill made this wise solar investment,” said Ron French, President of Alteris Renewables, “It shows clear economic and environmental foresight on their part.”

A Power Purchase Agreement, or PPA, made possible by EOS Ventures of Massachusetts, financed a portion of the project.   Through third party ownership, PPAs allow companies the benefits of a solar energy system without the usual large initial capital investment.  
 
“Fuss & O’Neill has taken a leadership role in demonstrating both the importance and attainability of solar energy systems in the Northeast,” said Tyler Fairbanks of EOS Ventures, “By using a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to finance their system, Fuss & O’Neill gets the best of both worlds: strong environmental stewardship and immediate energy savings.”  

The project also received significant grant support from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF)   “We applaud Fuss & O’Neill’s commitment to clean energy and the environment,” said Lise Dondy, president of CCEF. “The firm’s PV system will help us avoid approximately 441 tons of CO2 emissions over the lifetime of the system, which is good news for the citizens of Connecticut.”