The solar energy system which was installed by Alteris Renewables, recently ranked as the fastest growing renewable energy company in the Northeast, includes 700 solar panels on the building roof. The system is expected to offset approximately 20% of the total electrical load at the location and over the lifetime of the system offset over 228,733 lbs of CO2; the equivalent of planting 62,677 trees and eliminating the burning of over 11,800 gallons of gasoline each year.

The installation continues an overall efficiency strategy including major upgrades of energy-efficient lighting and HVAC equipment and a strong and comprehensive recycling program within the organization. Partial funding from the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust helped make this solar investment possible for Country Curtains.

“At Country Curtains, we have always been concerned about saving our natural resources and reducing waste -- it’s just good business. So Jack and I are thrilled that we will be able to produce electricity from solar panels on the roof of our main warehouse in Lee.” said Jane Fitzpatrick, co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Country Curtains.

“I commend Country Curtains for joining the growing movement to transform the generation and use of energy in Massachusetts. The installation of this 140-kilowatt system brings us closer to Governor Patrick’s plan to install 250 megawatts of solar power by 2017 – a goal that is already growing companies and creating skilled local jobs across the Commonwealth,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Phil Giudice, who chairs the Renewable Energy Trust's Board of Directors.

“We’re proud to be among the first companies in Berkshire County to invest significantly in solar energy.” said Bill Booth, CEO of Country Curtains “Reducing our dependence upon fossil fuels is good for the business and good for the Berkshires.”

“We commend Country Curtains’ environmental commitment and investment foresight,” said Ron French, president of Alteris Renewables. “This solar project, one of the first of its kind in the Berkshires, indicates how businesses in all corners of Massachusetts are turning toward renewable energy to help stabilize operating costs.”

About Country Curtains
Founded in 1956 by Jane and Jack Fitzpatrick, Country Curtains is a private family and employee owned company. The company is known for its stylish window treatment designs, quality fabrics and workmanship, ready-made affordability and extraordinary customer service. Country Curtains® makes much of what it sells at their New England factories and markets their products through their national catalog and 25 retail shops from Portsmouth, NH to Richmond, VA and from Boston to Chicago, and website www.countrycurtains.com. The company is headquartered in Lee, Massachusetts.

About Alteris Renewables
Alteris Renewables is the largest design-build renewable energy company in the Northeast, with more than 2,250 completed installations across six states. Ranked as one of the top ten fastest growing energy companies in the Inc. 500, Alteris provides turn-key solar electric (photovoltaic or PV), solar thermal, and wind energy solutions for commercial, residential, education, government and institutional clients. The company has industry-leading expertise in engineering, design, project management, performance analysis, project financing and renewable energy credit programs. More information about the company can be found on their website www.AlterisInc.com.