Williams College to Support Youth Center Solar Project
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — As a part of its commitment to invest in regional alternative and sustainable energy projects, Williams College will provide a bridge loan to the Williamstown Youth Center (WYC) for a solar energy project.
The youth center will install a 100 kWh solar array on its roof to produce electricity that covers the entire need of the facility. Sheila Stone, a supporter of the youth center, agreed to provide funding for the total cost of the project over time. So that the project may proceed now, Williams has entered into an agreement with Stone to provide a $350,000 no-interest loan for the entire project. She will repay the college in annual installments. The array is to be installed and operational in 2016.
“The Williamstown Youth Center greatly appreciates the partnership of Sheila Stone with Williams College that will allow us to install a solar array on our roof,” said WYC Executive Director David Rempell. “This project will complete our vision of constructing an extremely energy-efficient and environmentally appropriate facility that serves the out-of-school time needs of the children and young adults of Williamstown and surrounding communities.”
“I am proud to be a partner in this project that combines the best efforts of town and gown to better our community,” Stone said.
Additionally, the college will receive Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) generated by the system for four years, and will use those funds to capitalize a Sustainability Revolving Fund. The fund will be used to finance energy conservation projects developed by Williams students.
The youth center’s solar project aligns with the college’s plan to address climate change announced at the beginning of the academic year, in which the college pledged to invest in regional projects that benefit the environment.
Williamstown Youth Center is a nonprofit dedicated to providing quality recreational programs and activities for youth in grades 1-12.
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