Maine
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Do you need support?
At ReVision Energy, we believe that clean energy projects should do more than generate power; they should inspire communities and create opportunities for learning. This is why we've been so excited to partner with Franklin Cummings Tech on their solar project.
When Jen Stevenson Zepeda, our Commercial Solar Consultant, saw the Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by Leggat McCall Properties, she jumped on it immediately. A key part of the RFP involved student engagement, which Jen is passionate about. We were thrilled to win the bid and immediately began work on both the system design and educational components.
"I love it when what we do at ReVision intersects with an opportunity to engage people in a meaningful way, especially when it is with students," says Jen. "If our involvement in this solar project can spark an interest in a career in renewable energy, or even awareness of energy choices and their environmental impact, then it is a win. To achieve a just and equitable energy transition, we need to get more people on board."
On November 6, students from Franklin Cummings Tech visited our headquarters for an immersive learning experience at the ReVision Energy Training Center (RETC). The students, who are enrolled in an Engineering Technology program with an emphasis in EV, Mechatronics, and Renewable Energy, experienced a variety of hands-on demonstrations from ReVision's employee-owners. They reviewed plan sets, learned how to build a circuit, watched a Helioscope design demo, and took a tour of our warehouse and flat rooftop array. After a harness safety demo, they clipped in and headed up to our training center's mock roof.
"I can't think of a better way to drum up interest than showcasing the incredible depth of knowledge and experience of my co-owners," says Jen. "I hope everyone had as much fun at our training center as I did!”
Franklin Cummings Tech 's solar system will be a 57 kW ballasted array and will produce an estimated 62,000 kWh in the first year. We started with an initial layout based on the architectural design set and then worked with GC Dellbrook to secure approvals and provide input on conduit sizing and placement.
"We were all thoroughly impressed by the inspiring company story from co-founder and engineer Fortunat Mueller, and his discussion with our students about his company mission, vision, and the commitment to safety and sustainability besides his very wise words about professionalism and flexibility," said Basma Mewafy, Assistant Professor of Renewable Energy Technology at Franklin Cummings Tech. "The opportunity to visit the facilities and learn about the intricacies of the energy sector was an invaluable experience for everyone involved. The insights gained during this visit have significantly enriched our students’ understanding of the energy industry and its vital role in our society. It is one thing to learn about these concepts in a classroom, but another entirely to witness them firsthand. We are confident that this experience will have a lasting impact on our students as they continue their academic and professional journeys."
The project was also featured in a Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) ProTour in November. ReVision sponsored the event in Roxbury, which highlighted how sustainability, equity, and innovation intersect in the built environment. Attendees toured Franklin Cummings Tech’s new 68,000-square-foot campus in Nubian Square, which reflects their mission: providing affordable technical education to a predominantly BIPOC and first-generation college student body while serving as a catalyst for community revitalization.
"Listening to the various architects and teams share how this project - and the final building itself - has been designed to be a community resource from construction through completion was so inspiring," says ReVision's Community Engagement Coordinator Lydia Berry. "Seriously, every aspect of this project was designed to uplift the school's community. I am so proud that we are part of this project and can't wait to see how the rest of construction progresses!"