Quantum Biopower, in partnership with Commercial Solar Works (CSW), announced the completion of a solar rooftop installation on Quantum’s Southington, Conn., anaerobic digestion facility. This installation is expected to reduce electricity demand and increase savings for the food waste-to-electricity plant by adding a second source of renewable energy.
The Southington solar installation will produce 101,020 kWh of clean energy each year and is expected to eliminate 75.2 metric tons of CO2 emissions (the equivalent of burning 82,255 pounds of coal). It consists of 280 solar modules spanning 6,250 square feet on the digester’s rooftop.
“In the renewable energy world, this represents two of the three parts necessary to create a microgrid,” said Brian Paganini, vice president and managing director of Quantum Biopower, in a statement.
A microgrid is an energy system consisting of multiple energy sources and capable of operating in parallel with, or independently from, the main power grid.
“The combination of diverse renewables at Quantum, when used in conjunction with battery storage, helps produce and store power for use in the event of outage emergencies in our community,” added Paganini.
“CSW is excited about working with Quantum BioPower to help achieve its sustainability and business goals,” said Allen Sabins, managing partner of Commercial Solar Works, in a statement. “We’re working hard to enable local businesses, like Quantum, to customize their solar solutions and bring them to fruition.”