Greentech Lead America: Suniva, a manufacturer of
crystalline silicon solar cells and modules, announced its panels will help
meet more than 75 percent of the electric needs of Bonnie Brae’s campus in
Bernards Township, NJ.
Bonnie Brae is one of the nation’s preeminent therapeutic
learning environments for at-risk adolescent boys.
Torcon Energy Services (TES) will install the new 810
kilowatt ground-mount solar array, featuring 2,892 of Suniva’s high-efficiency
280W solar modules.
“This solar project will provide long-term energy
savings, which will allow Bonnie Brae to continue to focus on its mission of
education and rehabilitation for young men,” said Bonnie Brae’s Chief Executive
Officer, William M. Powers.
The solar installation is one of several recent Bonnie
Brae initiatives designed to help the campus become a sustainability role model
for other schools and residential programs. Implemented in part by the students
during the past year, initiatives include a large on-site garden to grow fresh
produce, rainwater collection and a ban on plastics and Styrofoam products in
the school’s dining room.
Major renovations to four on-campus dorms also are
underway with a goal of achieving LEED status. The solar array will be a
visible reminder of the school’s dedication to sustainability.
“We are thrilled to be a part of Bonnie Brae’s commitment
to greening their campus. Using Suniva’s high efficiency modules will help
ensure that this solar installation is consistent with Torcon Energy Services’
continued commitment to ‘behind-the-meter’ solar electric systems,” said
Robert Gerard, managing director of TES.
“This TES installation will produce clean, renewable
energy for the entire Bonnie Brae campus and significantly diminish the need
for more traditional, fossil fuel-based energy sources,” said Bryan Ashley,
chief marketing officer for Suniva.