New Solar Project Helps Power Mashpee Commons

KA_Mashpee Commons_parking lot panera_Cloudy_Winter_011216_077_053MASHPEE – Solar panels have been installed and are generating renewable energy at Mashpee Commons, but you’ll have to take our word for it.

The project placed solar panels capable of generating 350 kilowatts of power on the rooftops of nine buildings to maintain the architectural character of the complex.

“They’re all on the roofs and you can’t see them,” said John Connell, the Mashpee Commons in-house architect. “They’re completely inconspicuous.” The management team for Mashpee Commons began exploring solar options in the fall of 2015.

A number of solar companies were interviewed last fall and winter and a decision was made to contract the work out to SunBug Solar, a company based in Somerville and Arlington.

SunBug was chosen because their plan would cause little disruption to tenants and shoppers during the installation, along with maintaining the complex’s character.

The installation was completed in late July and included running over 15,000 feet of conduit and wires underground between buildings.

The system constantly monitors the solar production from all nine rooftops and the energy generated is pushed back to the area power grid to not only serve Mashpee Commons, but the surrounding area as well.

“The power that comes from these collectors will help pay for all the street lights and common electricity that keeps the community running,” Connell said.

Connell expects the solar project will be expanded in the future.

“This is the first big install but I think it’s been so successful we’ll probably see it as sort of a standard practice at Mashpee Commons,” he said.

The panels have been operational for about a week, according to Connell.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. in Central Square at Mashpee Commons. The ceremony is open to the public and will include remarks by representatives from Mashpee Commons, the town of Mashpee and SunBug Solar.

By BRIAN MERCHANT, CapeCod.com NewsCenter

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