Housing Vermont

Senator Bernie Sanders announced federal funding for the installation of solar panels at Barre’s Highgate Apartments on August 11. 

“Working with the federal Department of Energy and the Vermont Department of Public Service, I am pleased to announce that we have been able to secure federal funding to install solar hot water panels on fourteen of the sixteen buildings here at Highgate Apartments.  This funding is part of a $1 million grant that will fund three similar hot water projects at other affordable housing developments across the state, as well as five other innovative renewable energy efficiency projects at state colleges and schools,” said Senator Sanders. 

Kenn Sassorossi, Housing Vermont, explained that the solar panels will save about 5,000 gallons of expensive home heating oil each year.  At $4 a gallon, that translates into a savings of $20,000 which can then be used for capital improvements, resident services and other community needs.   

The installation of 90 solar panels is expected to be completed in October.  The $298,932 installation cost is financed by the $133,766 grant secured by Senator Sanders, $53,966 from Highgate Apartments, $55,000 in Clean Energy Development Fund money, and a loan of $56,200 from the Vermont Housing Finance Agency. 

A group of children who had been taking African drumming lessons as part of the Highgate summer program greeted the Senator by showing what they had learned.  Senator Sanders referred to the children in noting that the solar panels were part of energy conservation measures needed to keep heating costs affordable now and in the future.   

In closing, Senator Sanders said that “I look forward to celebrating with you when this important project is completed.”