WATERBURY, Vt.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--One Vermont business has taken its environmental commitment to a new level—all the way to the roof!
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR) will build Vermont’s largest solar array on top of the distribution center of its Green Mountain Coffee facility in Waterbury. Construction of the 100 kW photovoltaic array is expected to begin in the spring of 2009 and be completed by summer.
The solar array is the result of an innovative partnership between the coffee company, the State of Vermont, Green Mountain Power, and groSolar, North America’s premier provider of solar energy solutions. The electricity generated by the approximately 530 solar panels will produce a small percentage of the total electricity Green Mountain Coffee needs for its production facilities in Waterbury. Company officials say the greater benefit is in showing what is possible for the future.
“Renewable energy must be a part of our overall energy strategy,” says Paul Comey, Vice President of Environmental Affairs for Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. “We want to show our state and federal governments that solar energy works, and that we need a policy that provides a broad-reaching structure for renewable energy.”
The array will produce its power during the day, when Green Mountain Power needs it most. Solar power offers a unique value to the electric grid, as most of the power is generated during hot summer days, when the system is strained and other sources are expensive. GMCR will benefit from Green Mountain Power’s groundbreaking SolarGMP program, which provides financial incentives to its customers to install solar generation at their homes and businesses.
“We\'re excited to help one of our largest customers embrace solar generation in a meaningful way,” says Mary Powell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Green Mountain Power. “We believe solar power will play an important role in Vermont\'s energy future. By working with GMCR on this project, and by creating SolarGMP, we hope to encourage more solar generation in Vermont. We expect other customers will follow soon.”
groSolar was selected to design and install the solar arrays at Green Mountain Coffee. As one of the largest solar installation companies in the US, groSolar is dedicated to energy independence and fighting global warming. CEO Jeff Wolfe says Vermont’s tax incentives for commercial solar systems, coupled with grants from the Vermont Department of Public Service’s Clean Energy Development Fund and Green Mountain Power, made the economics of the system very attractive. “Vermont has a great solar resource and great incentives for commercial solar energy. Green Mountain Power, GMCR, Vermont’s Department of Public Service, and groSolar have shown that solar will be part of Vermont’s energy solution,” he says.
"We are very pleased to see this solar installation become a reality,” says David O’Brien, Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Public Service. “Governor Douglas places a high value on commercial-level solar applications. We commend GMCR for taking this step."
About Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR) is recognized as a leader in the specialty coffee industry for its award-winning coffees, innovative brewing technology and socially responsible business practices. GMCR manages its operations through two wholly owned business units: Green Mountain Coffee and Keurig. Its Green Mountain Coffee business unit sells more than 100 high-quality coffee selections, including Fair Trade Certified™ organic coffees, under the Green Mountain Coffee® and Newman’s Own® Organics brands through its wholesale, direct mail and e-commerce operations (www.GreenMountainCoffee.com). Green Mountain Coffee also produces its coffee as well as hot cocoa and tea in K-Cup® portion packs for Keurig® single-cup brewers. Keurig, Incorporated is a pioneer and leading manufacturer of gourmet single-cup coffee brewing systems for offices, homes and hotel rooms. Keurig markets its patented brewers and K-Cups® through office distributors, retail and direct channels (www.Keurig.com). K-Cups are produced by a variety of licensed roasters including Green Mountain Coffee. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. has been recognized repeatedly by CRO Magazine, Forbes and SustainableBusiness.com as a good corporate citizen and an innovative, high-growth company.
About Green Mountain Power
Green Mountain Power (www.greenmountainpower.com) transmits, distributes and sells electricity and utility construction services in the State of Vermont in a service territory with approximately one quarter of Vermont’s population. It serves approximately 94,000 customers.
About groSolar
groSolar is North America’s premier provider of solar energy solutions focused on designing, distributing and installing high quality solar electric and solar hot water systems. groSolar provides residential installation in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states and commercial installation in California as well as the eastern US, serving other areas through an extensive dealer network. groSolar was recently recognized as the second fastest growing company in Vermont and one of the best places to work in Vermont. For information, contact Kevin Ellis 1-800-498-5390 or Kelli Pippin at 1-800-374-4494 x3085. groSolar.com.
About the Vermont Clean Energy Development Fund
The Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF), administered by the Vermont Department of Public Service, was established in 2005 through ACT 74 and is currently funded through proceeds to the state from Entergy. The CEDF will receive payments from Entergy through 2012. The CEDF offers a portfolio of funding opportunities to accelerate the development, commercialization, and production of clean energy in Vermont including: grants and contracts; loans; equity investments; and direct incentive payments through the Vermont Small-Scale Renewable Energy Incentive Program. Additional information on the CEDF and current funding opportunities is available on the Department of Public Service website at: http://publicservice.vermont.gov/energy/energy-efficiency.html.
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