Remember the disappointing news that came out of Copenhagen almost a year ago today? While many citizens were stunned by the countries involved not coming to agreement about targets and initiatives to reduce global warming, something positive emerged. Grass roots efforts in local communities began to take hold and our country witnessed a surge of renewable energy projects. Businesses, individuals, and communities have mobilized efforts to reduce dependency on fossil fuels by use of renewable energy systems involving wind, sun, water, and even cow dung.

That is exactly what Pomerleau Real Estate business partners Brian Waxler and Ernie Pomerleau did. The well-known developers stepped up to the plate and made a bold decision to install the state's first 10-acre solar array: the Ferrisburgh Solar Farm. They wisely took advantage of an enticement from the state that offered federal and state tax credits to encourage development of home grown renewable energy. The 4,000 solar panels, located just outside Vergennes is clearly visible from Route 7, and on a sunny day the light reflecting off the panels provides a bright glow. The project should be fully operating next month, and is expected to supply enough power on the grid for 170 homes.

Why would a developer who has a reputation for shopping centers and other commercial projects take on such a large scale operation of renewable energy? Waxler says with pride, "We strongly believe that we need to move away from our dependency on foreign oil and someone needed to develop a template on how to get this done. We know how things are done and with a capable team and qualified staff we were able to pave the way so that others have an easier time in the process. It wasn't easy and it was expensive but it was the right thing to do."

Waxler is equally proud that they hired local Vermonters for the project including engineers, lawyers, accountants, and contractors. And keeping the work local created jobs for Vermonters. The project, the first of its kind, generated a great deal of support from the community. As the first private developer to go through the process, Waxler and his team at Pomerleau helped the state determine what is necessary for similar projects, which will benefit projects in the future.

When Pomerleau and Waxler first heard about the program the State of Vermont was offering to encourage development of renewable energy, they both wanted to get involved. To get the proverbial solar energy ball rolling they were willing to take the risk and suffer through a yearlong permitting process. It was a quick learning curve—and the more they understood the scope and the potential impact of the project, their enthusiasm grew. The solar panels will operate for 25-35 years, however with advanced technology; panels produced down the road will be smaller and more efficient.

Chuck Cherhoniak of Shelburne, Senior Vice President of TD Bank, a key lender for this project, was enthusiastically supportive of the project from its start. Waxler and Pomerleau have worked hard and committed funds towards making a positive impact on our sustainable future. Soon you will see others, Select Design, Shelburne Farms (see box), and individual households among others, following their example.