Andrew Robitaille, Gorham High School 2005 graduate, is now the proud owner of Solar Power New England. Robitalle recently completed a project in Saco, Maine for the Dupuis Farm and owners Lynne-Marie and Bruce Dupuis.
The farm started with her father, Raymond R. Dupuis and they continue to care for the large farm located off Buxton Road by raising and caring for retired racehorses, quarter horses, and raising cattle for the local market. The farm also hays their fields for their own horses and also for other farms in the area. The Dupuis’ commitment to their farm allowed them to continue to grow amidst the many farms shutting down throughout the country.
Photo credit: Andrew Robitaille(Left), Lynn-Marie and Bruce Dupuis(right), along with a couple of their horses Spirit (left), and Oasis (right) on the farm in front of the solar array.
Robitaille was able to complete a 71-panel solar array on unused roof space atop their “cattle barn.” The solar array, made with American components, was designed and installed by the company and allowed for the Dupuis farm to obtain 40% tax credit.
The system was made even more affordable by Robitaille and his company, Solar Power New England in assisting the Dupuis’ with a grant through the USDA. The grant from the USDA is part of The Rural Energy For America Program. This grant is specifically for renewable energy projects, farms and other rural businesses and covers 50% of the total system cost making the project not only affordable but ensuring a significant return on their investment.
The components offered by Solar Power New England carry 30-year manufacturer’s production warranty and the Dupuis system should pay for itself in less than 5 years.
Solar Power New England operates throughout southern Maine and provides services to both residential and small commercial clients. Robitaille hopes to connect with more farms in the future to create a more sustainable future for farms and local businesses in the face of increasing energy costs, financial pressures, and increasing stresses on the environment.