Bermuda College has saved $40,000 in energy costs since the installation of a solar system last April.

The Bermuda College Foundation said the savings were realised after the interconnection of the first phase of the newly installed solar system with the Belco network.

It forecasts savings of $53,000 annually from the project, which was undertaken in conjunction with BE Solar.

Panels for Phase 1 of the project were installed on the West Hall and Hallett Hall buildings at the college’s Paget campus, which includes its newest facility, the Athene Career Development Centre.

The solar system, with 312 Peimar photovoltaic panels, is supported by a 30-year product and performance warranty.

The college foundation forecasts that the system will pay for itself over six years. Ultimately, it said, the college would save $1.5 million over the 30-year life span of the system.

“As we undertake the work of funding a state-of-the-art Bermuda College, sustainability is always at the forefront,” Gary Madeiros, the chairman of the Bermuda College Foundation, said.

“We started this initiative by working with BE Solar to have a comprehensive energy audit undertaken of the college’s campus in 2020,” he added.

“The audit findings served as the catalyst for the foundation’s fundraising efforts for this and future solar installations, and other cost savings and sustainability projects for the college.”

He thanked the family who funded the first phase of the project as well as BE Solar, which contributed $24,767 towards it.

“Their contributions allowed for the full scope of the first part of the project to be funded, marking a significant milestone in the college’s journey towards sustainability,” Mr Madeiros said.

The family have chosen to remain anonymous, he added.

Mr Madeiros highlighted the partnership between the college, BE Solar and the foundation in advancing “sustainability goals”.

He said it demonstrated the college’s dedication to energy efficiency and renewable energy as well as its responsibility to educate the next generation of environmental stewards and energy leaders.

Stratton Hatfield, BE Solar’s chief sales and marketing officer, said: “BE Solar has been actively involved with the college since 2016, facilitating field trips and educational initiatives to teach students about renewable energy and sustainability.”

Mr Hatfield said that in addition to the potential financial and environmental benefits, the company also incorporated an educational component into its proposal.

“Working closely with Bermuda College students, BE Solar team members provided hands-on training in solar energy engineering and installation methods over this first phase installation.”

Speaking on the benefits of the project, Branwen Smith King, interim president of Bermuda College, said: “Bermuda College is deeply appreciative to BE Solar and Bermuda College Foundation for this generous gift, as it will not only benefit our students’ technical expertise in this quickly advancing field, but also help the college overall in reducing its carbon footprint through reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.”

The foundation projects that the first phase of the project will reduce oil consumption by 5,929 barrels and eliminate 3,005 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions.

The next phase involves the proposed installation of a 17.39 kilowatt system at a cost of $95,000.

The Bermuda College Foundation is seeking donor support for this phase of the project, from which the college is expected to save $9,600 annually with payback within a period of nine years and nine months.

• Interested parties are asked to contact development director Pahn-ya Ratteray at pratteray@bermudacollegefoundation.org or visit bermudacollegefoundation.org