Melrose Bank

Melrose Bank looked to 621 Energy in 2016 when they needed a customized solution to meet their sustainability goals and reduce their energy costs. 

“Renewable energy is an excellent way to reduce harmful emissions and protect the environment,” said Jeff Jones, Melrose Bank’s president and CEO. “As a local business, we want to set the tone for the community and let people know how important this is. We also want people to know that it’s a viable project. There are plans that will work for individual households as well as businesses. Last but not least, this solar array will save the bank money in the long run, so it’s a sound financial investment.”

The bank building is located in a designated historic district with limited roof space. 621 Energy proposed a hybrid roof and carport system to maximize the solar production and meet the aesthetic requirements of the historic district. The bank and 621 Energy worked closely with the city and the Melrose Historic District Commission to finalize a carport design that could fit well in the district, and also provide modern and efficient solar energy at the same time.

The 46 kilowatt (kW) project will produce 52,000 kWh of electricity annually, which will reduce the bank’s electricity consumption by 52 percent. This translates into a 36-ton reduction of carbon emissions each year, equivalent to taking 7.5 cars off the road. The new system is estimated to pay for itself in less than seven years through electricity savings, the sale of solar renewable energy credits (SRECs), and tax incentives.

This solar initiative also follows other simpler energy saving efforts at the bank such as installation of new energy efficient lighting, a “no-idle” request at the drive-up window, increased recycling, and plans to upgrade its 30-year old HVAC system to energy-star rated heating and cooling equipment.

“This is another great step forward for Melrose,” said Lori Timmermann, a member of the Melrose Energy Commission and a local proponent of solar energy. “As you travel around the city, you’ll see more and more solar arrays on homes and businesses. As an environmentally-responsible community, we are setting a great example for other cities and towns in Massachusetts and across the country.”