The latest wave of a green-energy initiative is bringing solar panels to 14 Ocean State Job Lot locations in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey, including the company’s Wareham location.
Ocean State’s Wareham store will have 686 kilowatts worth of solar panels installed on its roof as part of this initiative, according to a press release from the company.
“It’s been an incredible opportunity,” said Harry Oakley, Director of Energy, Sustainability, Procurement and Corporate Facilities with Ocean State.
The initiative stems from the company’s thoughts about how to best use its real estate, Oakley said — “What [else] are we using that giant roof for?”
“We felt really strongly about providing a positive aspect to the environment and to the communities we serve,” he added.
As of mid-April, the installation of the panels at the Wareham store was ready to go, pending utility approval to connect, he said. Once on-line, the panels will supply power directly into the Massachusetts electric grid.
Select Board member and Alternative Energy Committee chair Sherry Quirk said this type of project addresses many of the concerns people have about the deforestation which comes with large-scale solar projects.
“Personally, I would love to see more of it, and I think that we will,” Quirk said.
She added, “I hope the state provides more and different incentives for our businesses to contribute to carbon reduction while protecting our forests and natural lands.”
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