Courtesy of Gorham Savings Bank
Aerial view of the planned solar array.
Updated: September 21, 2021
Gorham Savings Bank breaks ground on $1.1M solar array
By Jessica Hall
Gorham Savings Bank said it broke ground on a $1.1 million solar array that will offset virtually all of its electricity costs across its 12 branches and several office locations, including its 29,000 square foot operations center.
The solar array is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.
The installation will generate 1 million kilowatt-hours annually and be located adjacent to the bank’s operations center on Wentworth Drive in Gorham. South Portland-based ReVision Energy designed the 866 photovoltaic panel and 5 inverter array.
The system will offset more than 1.1 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents a year or the equivalent of 59,042 gallons of oil. Carbon dioxide equivalents are the standard unit to quantify greenhouse gas emissions, emission reductions and carbon credits.
Gorham Savings first used solar power at its Falmouth branch on Route 1. That branch, built in 2010, features solar panels on the drive-thru and is LEED Gold Certified, an internationally recognized green building certification.
“Increasing our reliance on clean power alternatives was clearly the right thing to do not just for the bank but for our environment and the community,” said Steve deCastro, president and CEO of Gorham Savings.
The town of Gorham said it is pleased to work with the bank through the permitting and construction process.
“Gorham supports the sustainability of the environment and natural resources and should be open to considering new technologies or new ideas that enhance the community’s sustainability and improve the living environment,” said Tom Poirier, the town of Gorham’s director of community development.
“The town considers Gorham Savings Bank an important local stakeholder and is appreciative they chose Gorham to enhance their and the community's sustainability visions with a solar facility,” Poirier said.
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