In 2008, River Valley Co-op installed a 34kWh solar array on the rooftop of its Northampton, Mass., store. The installation offset about 5% of the co-op’s total electric power usage and was a major accomplishment at the time.

When the co-op began planning for a second store in Easthampton, River Valley’s General Manager Rochelle Prunty wanted to think bigger. The co-op was looking for an opportunity to reach net zero electric use with its own on-site generated solar power, and it appeared there was potential to do that.

In 2017, River Valley reached out to Co-op Power, a consumer-owned, sustainable energy cooperative, to see if they could help include solar power on the new store. After getting an overview of the program about Co-op Power’s financing framework that makes community-based ownership of solar power installation projects possible, River Valley signed onto the preliminary project feasibility process.

After considering various potential designs, Prunty eventually approached Solar Design Associates (SDA) solar engineer Steven Strong to inquire if it was possible to design an installation that would have enough capacity to offset 100% of the new store’s projected usage. Strong came up with a design that would produce over 900kWh annually to offset 100% of River Valley’s projected power usage. The design included a solar canopy over most of the parking lot, as well as the roof and storefront PV array.

After what Prunty describes as some “white-knuckled moment[s] on this solar coaster ride” — including when financing for the entire project nearly fell through in late 2020 — River Valley was able to install its solar array. 

The co-op had many allies throughout the project. In addition to the ongoing assistance form Co-op Power, Prunty credits Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle and their Congressperson Chairman Richard E. Neal for providing the support that made the project feasible.

Now the co-op’s usage projections include electric powered, air-based heat pumps for the store’s HVAC. “We are getting support lined up now to monitor and effectively manage our power usage and ensure we reach our net zero goal,” Prunty said in River Valley’s annual report.

Perhaps the most impressive component of the solar installation, however, will be the benefit to the community through Co-op Power’s Community Solar Program.

River Valley partnered with Co-op Power to create the “River Valley Climate Justice” initiative, wherein 50% of the power from the co-op’s parking lot array can be used for 100 low-income community members to save them 15% off their monthly electric bills.

“This is something others are hoping to do in 20 years,” said Lynn Benander, president of Co-op Power. “It was an honor to work with River Valley Co-op on this solar project. Their commitment to doing the right thing for their co-op owners, for the community and for the planet was inspirational.”