Wind Energy

Chimes International Activates Second Phase Of Massive Solar Power Initiative

Chimes International Ltd., a leading provider of services and support for people with disabilities, announced it has activated a new rooftop solar system featuring 1,079 panels at the Terry Allen Perl Center located at 3630 Milford Mill Road in Baltimore County. The new system was activated at a dedication ceremony that included remarks from Abby Hopper, Energy Advisor to Governor O’Malley and Vincent Gardina, Baltimore County Director of Environmental Protection and Sustainability and officials from Chimes, Washington Gas Energy Services (WGES) and BITHENERGY. The new system will provide 259 kilowatts of clean, renewable energy and is the second largest system Chimes has activated in the Baltimore metropolitan area in the past year.

“We are thrilled to be rolling out the second phase of our solar power initiative with WGES and BITHENERGY as our partners,” said Marty Lampner, President and CEO of Chimes. “The electricity provided by the solar panels will give Chimes another predictable, eco-friendly source of power. Our commitment to environmentally sustainable practices is important to us. However, the financial benefits of the project were also a major determining factor. Instead of being at the mercy of a fluctuating energy market, we will have a firm handle on our energy costs on a monthly and yearly basis. Every dollar we save on electricity can be invested in serving people with disabilities. With the support of WGES, we had no upfront costs to make this happen. It was a win, win, win.”

In October 2011, Chimes activated three rooftop solar systems and one large ground-mounted system at their 12-acre campus on Seton Drive. The 3,000-panel, 670-kilowatt solar installation meets an estimated 60-70 percent of Chimes electricity needs at that location and is the largest solar system in Baltimore City. The Chimes campus is one of the largest nonprofit facilities in the United States to draw a majority of its electricity from renewable energy resources.

Chimes Family of Services is an international multi-service agency delivering a wide range of programs, services and supports to more than 17,000 people of all ages and many levels of ability. Chimes employs more than 3,000 people. Our Family of Services includes agencies in six states, the District of Columbia, and Israel. We assist people with developmental disabilities, mental illness and other specialized needs. All of our services and facilities in the Chimes Family of Services are state licensed and accredited. Chimes International is the support organization for Chimes Family of Services and provides executive management and business support services.

www.Chimes.org