Canadian Solar Inc. announced a newly activated 106 kW roof-mount photovoltaic (PV) solar electric system on the McDonough Center at the Bancroft School in Worcester, Mass. This installation, completed and activated prior to start of the 2010 school year, is currently the largest private solar electric system in Worcester.

The installation incorporates 462 Canadian Solar CS6P-230P polycrystalline modules that will produce approximately 117,000 kilowatt-hours annually, reducing carbon emissions by 88 tons per year, or the equivalent that 438 trees would offset annually. The school, which enrolls 541 students and employs 124 faculty and staff, expects the PV system to offset its electrical needs by producing enough power to meet approximately 25 percent of the McDonough Center's annual energy demands.

"This installation not only teaches our students about the importance of renewable energy but also demonstrates Bancroft School's commitment to environmental awareness and positive energy choices for our community," said Scott R. Reisinger, head of Bancroft School. "We're looking forward to financial savings in energy costs while contributing to environmental sustainability for years to come."

"We're happy to see our best-of-breed panels being used in settings where they can impact future generations' understanding of the power of renewable energy," said Alan King, vice president of U.S. Sales for Canadian Solar, USA. "The Bancroft School installation represents significant investment in a state with commendably aggressive solar policies."

The solar installation was designed and financed by Future Solar Systems and installed by Professional Electric. The Canadian Solar CS6P-230P polycrystalline modules used are among the top-ranked solar modules in PV USA (PTC) ratings--ratings that are quickly becoming universally accepted standards for measuring real-world module energy production and performance.