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Power Starts to Flow At RHODE ISLAND’s First Solar Electric Plant

Partnership among Sun Power, BJ’s Wholesale and government agencies

(MIDDLETOWN, RI, September 9, 1999) --- Officials of BJ’s Wholesale Club and Sun Power Electric threw the switch Thursday (BJ’s, 173 E. Main Road, Middletown: 10:30 AM) as electricity flowed from Rhode Island’s first sun-powered electricity generating plant. The system gives Rhode Island individuals and businesses the opportunity to buy electricity partially generated by clean, renewable sources.

The facility is located on the roof of BJ’s Wholesale Club in Middletown.

Hugh Saussy, director of the US Department of Energy’s New England Regional Support Office, and state and national energy officials also participated.

Sun Power Electric of Westborough, Massachusetts, a non-profit and the nation’s first utility producing all its power from solar energy and selling it in the competitive market, owns the system.

The facility’s construction was made possible by the Utility Restructuring Act of 1996, making Rhode Island one of the first states where consumers and companies can choose an electric power supplier. Sun Power sells the power to AllEnergy of Waltham, MA for its “ReGen” package, which includes power from solar, hydro and wind (as well as conventional sources), marketed to individuals and companies that want to use “green” energy sources.

The system consists of 176 4’ x 6’ photovoltaic panels (PV). PVs are solid-state devices that generate electricity from sunlight, without fuel or pollution. The system will generate 55,900 kilowatt hours of electricity yearly, meeting 10 average-sized homes’ needs for 20 years. Over its lifespan the plant will avoid production of 1,672,415 lbs. of greenhouse gases.

ASE Americas (Billerica, MA) manufactured the panels. The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Utility Photovoltaic Group (UPVG) TEAM-UP programs and the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Collaborative partially funded the system.

Sun Power Electric President Stephen Cowell said, “We’re turning BJ’s roofs into carpets of green energy, combining advanced technology and entrepreneurialism to meet the global environmental challenge. These large-scale projects will lower the cost of PV and expand opportunities to use it in the electric grid.”

BJ’s Energy Systems and Utilities Manager Sara Dill said, “ BJ’s is pleased to promote generating clean electricity for the competitive market. We have a lot of roof space, and are happy to donate it for a good cause.”

"Save The Bay began advocating for green energy when we learned about dirty power production’s negative effects on Narragansett Bay’s health," said Save the Bay Executive Director Curt Spalding. "We are delighted to have a green power source being produced right here in Middletown and congratulate Sun Power and BJ's for this wonderful achievement."

BJ’s and Sun Power have already installed similar systems on BJ’s Clubs in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, and are considering additional installations. BJ’s does not charge Sun Power a rental fee for roof access. It receives only a minimal, indirect reduction in its electric costs, since the electricity created by the system flows directly to the regional grid. Both parties intend to expand PV’s use, so that future generations can benefit from cleaner, healthier air. This unique partnership is a model for businesses to stimulate new, better technologies enhancing the global environment.

Sun Power Electric is a division of Conservation Services Group, Inc., a non-profit that has delivered energy conservation services to more than 600,000 homes in the past 14 years. Owned by New England Electric System, one of the region's leading utilities, AllEnergy Marketing Company provides and markets natural gas, electricity, oil, propane, and value-added services to Northeastern businesses and consumers. BJ’s Wholesale Club, a members-only wholesale club, has more than 5 million members and 101 locations throughout the Eastern United States.