Local Bank Invests in Solar to Move Maine Forward

Machias Savings Bank’s rooftop solar array overlooks Main Street in Machias, ME.

Machias Savings Bank is helping to “Move Maine Forward” again with a 53.25 kilowatt solar array on the roof of their new Operations Center in Machias, Maine. “Our hope is that as more businesses and individuals become aware of the benefits of solar energy, we’ll be able to show them first-hand what to expect from their investment,” says John Hayward, MSB’s Facilities Manager.

With 15 branch locations in Maine ranging all the way from Caribou to Portland, the Operations Center on Main Street is not the first location to go solar. Their Brewer branch location is powered by a 44-panel, 10 kilowatt rooftop solar array, also installed by ReVision.

A Common Goal

At first glance, a solar company and a bank may seem to have little in common, but when MSB started their research into local install companies for their Brewer location over 8 years ago, they discovered in ReVision a common goal of expertise and exceptional customer service. Having been established in Maine since 1869, MSB appreciated that ReVision also had local roots as a small business with customer focus. The Brewer array was completed in February of 2012, and has been producing clean renewable energy ever since. “It’s been operating flawlessly,” says John.

The construction of a new location provided them with an opportunity to make another investment in solar. “There was no question we’d choose ReVision,” says John. The new 142-panel solar array spans the flat rooftop overlooking the Machias River to the south. It will generate roughly 55,257 kilowatt-hours on an annual basis, saving the bank more than $209,000 over the next 40 years and keeping more than 3 million pounds of carbon from polluting our planet over its lifespan.

Easy Installation

The solar array overlooks the Machias River. Installation of the array was tied into construction of the new building for ease and efficiency.

The installation of the array was meshed with the general construction schedule, for ease of installation and project efficiency. “It was well coordinated,” says John. “I don’t think the install could have gone any better.” The solar array was completed and turning sunlight into clean electricity by mid-July, in plenty of time for the official move-in to the new building on August 31st. John described the ReVision team as ‘awesome to work with.’ “We’ve recommended ReVision to several businesses in the area,” he adds. So far, there has been nothing but positive feedback from the staff working in the new building as well as MSB’s customers and community.

A Focus on Sustainable Community

MSB’s mission to “Move Maine Forward” by going beyond the transaction to make a positive difference in the lives of others shows in their commitment to sustainability. In addition to powering with solar, they’ve focused on proper insulation for an efficient building, and efficiency upgrades to air-handling units at other branches as well. They’ve committed to transitioning all of their branches to efficient LED lighting.

And while those actions provide a direct, tangible benefit to their company and the planet, they hope that it’s also an action that will help them lead by example for sustainability in their community, notes John. “By installing our solar array here in Machias, we hope that others will take notice of our efforts, ask questions, and realize they too can make a difference for a better future.”

Original Source: https://www.revisionenergy.com/blogs/local-bank-invests-in-solar-to-move-maine-forward/