To reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, and to operate in a more environmentally friendly manner, Columbia invested in solar power at their headquarters facility located at 100 Riverpark Drive in North Reading, MA.

As owners of the building and solar array system, Columbia studied different system options to determine the best solution possible at this location. Thorough analysis lead the Columbia Energy team to install an 87 kW DC array and ballasted roof system utilizing 377 solar panels. The 87 kW DC system has generated 97,500 kWh annually and reduces annual greenhouse gases by 67 Metric Tons CO2e. This system provides 35% of Columbia’s annual electrical energy use.

This was the first photovoltaic solar array system installed on a commercial building in Reading Municipal Light Department’s service community, which is the electric utility for 100 Riverpark Drive.