Greentech Lead America: Chimes International, a provider
of services and support for people with disabilities, has commisioned a 259 KW
rooftop solar system at the Terry Allen Perl Center in Baltimore County. The
Terry Allen Perl Center is a key facility for Chimes in Maryland which, over
the years, has supported thousands of people with disabilities.
The new system featuring 1,079 panels and is the second
largest system Chimes has activated in the Baltimore metropolitan area in the
past year.
Chimes has partnered with Washington Gas Energy
Services (WGES) and BITHENERGY to install this solar system.
“We are thrilled to be rolling out the second phase of
our solar power initiative with WGES and BITHENERGY as our partners. The
electricity provided by the solar panels will give Chimes another predictable,
eco-friendly source of power. Our commitment to environmentally sustainable
practices is important to us. However, the financial benefits of the project
were also a major determining factor,” said Marty Lampner, president and CEO of
Chimes.
WGES financed and owns the solar array through which
Chimes will purchase renewable electric power generated by the system under a
20-year power purchasing agreement. BITHENERGY has designed, engineered and
constructed the system and will handle its ongoing operations and maintenance.
“Chimes is taking a bold step towards reducing its
dependence on the electrical grid by using renewable energy resources. This
multi-phase initiative should serve as an inspiration to other non-profit and
for-profit businesses throughout Baltimore and beyond that solar power is a
practical alternative and can improve their bottom line,” said Robert L.
Wallace, president and CEO of BITHENERGY.
Last year, Chimes activated three rooftop solar systems
and one large ground-mounted system at their 12-acre campus on Seton Drive. The
3,000-panel, 670-kilowatt solar installation meets an estimated 60-70 percent
of Chimes electricity needs at that location and is the largest solar system in
Baltimore City.