November 19, 2008 Largest solar array in VT up and running Play video

(NECN: Anya Huneke, Montpelier, VT) - A large Vermont company is trying to reduce its carbon footprint, and in doing so, is setting a precedent. National Life Group today commissioned a new system of solar panels, the largest in Vermont to date.

With the flip of a switch, the largest system of solar panels in Vermont started working its magic. The building is the Montpelier, Vermont headquarters of National Life, a Fortune 1000 financial service company. Governor Jim Douglas joined company and utility officials to mark the launch of this new photovoltaic system -- 418 solar panels, which will help generate power for the building.

Although the project is impressive in size, it will only cover a small percentage of the large company's energy needs, but it is one of dozens of energy efficiency initiatives at National Life, including an upcoming solar thermal project, which will provide more than half of the building's hot water.

By the end of the year, National Life expects to have LEED certification, officially designating this a green building, which would be a first for a building of this age in the country.

These solar panels cost $500,000, $200,000 of which was covered by a grant through the state's Clean Energy Development Fund, set up to encourage development of renewable energy technologies.

And, this project has the backing of not only the state, but Green Mountain Power. Through its new solar-GMP program, the electric utility pays

GMP is aiming to get 10,000 solar panels set up across the state in 1,000 days. This brings them 418 panels closer to that goal, and Vermont that much closer to a clean energy future.