Ribbon cutting commemorating the Bristol WWTF solar array on Aug. 19

BRISTOL — The Town of Bristol recently completed the final testing and commissioning of a 230 Kilowatt solar energy system adjacent to the town’s Waste Water Treatment Facility. The solar array was designed to provide 90 percent of the energy required to operate the Bristol Waste Water Treatment Facility. Paul Bemis, chairman of the Bristol energy committee, said, “This is an excellent example of a public/private partnership between the Town of Bristol, and Barrington Power. The Town gains the benefit of low-cost energy without the need for capital investment, and Barrington Power receives the solar tax benefits and a long-term power purchase commitment from the Town. Considering the electricity rate increases recently approved by the PUC, this partnership looks better every day.”

The solar array is owned, operated, and financed by Barrington Power. A long-term contract signed by the Town of Bristol will purchase all of the power the solar array can produce. The size of the solar array was specifically designed to match the energy consumption of the Waste Water Treatment Facility to maximize the cost savings. Benefits of the project include:

● Lowering the cost of electricity to power the Bristol Waste Water Treatment Facility by providing sufficient capacity to fully operate the facility on sunny days

● The elimination of unexpected electricity rate hikes that make annual town budgets difficult to manage

● The movement away from dependence on fossil fuels for the production of electricity, and its associated price volatility

● A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming

Jack Bingham, President of Barrington Power said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Town of Bristol and expanding our clean energy solar footprint in the state of New Hampshire. Solar Energy is the clean, abundant, and most stable source of energy available today. We look forward to a long term, mutually beneficial relationship.”

Members of the public are welcome to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony commemorating the Bristol WWTF solar array. The event will be held at 180 Ayers Island Road on Friday, Aug. 19 at 9 a.m.

For more information about the new Bristol Solar Array Project, contact Paul Bemis at Paul.Bemis@Comcast.net or by phoning 603-252-9322.