Solar power

To develop the renewable energies of tomorrow, innovative energy projects are required, like the Stafford Hill solar farm in Vermont, featuring 7,700 solar panels spanning a 15-acre property. This farm generates 2 MW of electricity, enough to power 2,000 homes during periods of full sun, or 365 homes per year. The project also comprises a solar storage component whereby 3.4 MWh can be stored in a battery system. This power can then be used during peak periods and as backup power for a local emergency shelter in the event of a critical situation affecting the electrical grid. Énergir is proud of investments in Green Mountain Power, which owns this project.

Through projects providing the most solar per capita in the region, Rutland has become the solar energy capital of New England and is setting an example using energy innovation as a focal point for economic development and revitalization.

In summer of 2015, Green Mountain Power entered into a partnership with Tesla Motors Inc. in order to offer customers the option of using Powerwall, a home battery that charges using electricity generated from solar panels. GMP is the first energy service company in the United States to conclude such a partnership. With this system, GMP customers benefit from a back-up energy source and GMP can better manage energy demand during peak periods. GMP launched its pilot project in spring 2016 with 500 Powerwall batteries. GMP is working with 10 customers to test the technology. Once the technology has been proven, GMP hopes to make Powerwall available to all its customers.