Hallowell inn cuts ribbon to solar-electric system (Maine)

[jpak]

HALLOWELL - A central Maine inn that has been drawing some power from its wind turbine has now installed what's believed to be Maine's largest solar electric-hot water system added to its renewable energy storehouse.

Together, the wind turbine and solar panels are expected to provide one-third to half of the energy needs at the Maple Hill Farm Bed and Breakfast Inn and Conference Center, co-owner Scott Cowger said Thursday.

The 15-kilowatt solar system covers the roof of the 150-seat conference center in the small city next to Augusta. The solar system was completed in December but a formal ribbon-cutting was held Thursday.

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Cowger said the PUC financing helps to speed up the payback period, which he estimates will be five years. Maple Hill also was to receive a $3,000 check Thursday from the Maine Energy Investment Corp., which installed equipment to monitor the photovoltaic portion of the solar system that will be posted in the Internet.

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