Saint Mary's Parish of Colts Neck, N.J., has completed a 155 kW ground-mounted PV array. The installation was designed and installed by commercial solar integrator Solis Partners. It consists of 686 solar panels that are expected to produce approximately 188,000 kWh of electricity in the first year of operation.
According to Solis Partners, the installation offsets approximately 90% of the parish's annual electricity usage, including that of the church, the spiritual center, the family life center and the rectory – all located on Saint Mary's property.
The system was installed under a power purchase agreement. Solis Partners retains ownership of the system for 15 years, during which time it will maintain and operate the system. The energy generated is sold back to the parish at a 75% discount from its current utility rates.
