Vermont Bedrooms goes solar

RUTLAND—Rutland’s oldest “sleep shop,” Vermont Bedrooms, has joined the city’s rooftop revolution by going solar. Business owners Bill and Rob Beanland worked with SunCommon of Waterbury to install a 73-panel solar array on the roof of their 32-year-old business. Vermont Bedrooms chose solar as a means to cut costs and strengthen their business by generating clean energy on-site, the owners explained.
“Going solar is a conversation starter with our customers,” said Bill Beanland, co-owner of Vermont Bedrooms. “Vermonters that are excited or curious about solar will be more likely to walk into our business. Our rooftop array is very visible and shows our commitment to producing our own local, clean energy. That sort of exposure is tremendous.”
Solar is a selling point. The city of Rutland has fully embraced solar as a driver for innovation, community engagement and sustainable growth. According to The Solar Foundation’s Vermont solar jobs census: “Green Mountain Power’s partnership with the City of Rutland has led to the city’s self-designation as the Solar Capital of New England and currently boasts the most installed capacity in a single city within the six-state census region.”
“As the Solar Capital of New England, Rutland continues to shine, as more and more businesses like Vermont Bedrooms innovate for the future by going solar,” said Steve Costello, board member of Rutland Chamber of Commerce, Rutland Economic Development Corp. and GMP vice president. “Rutland is committed to a new energy future, one that leverages the latest technologies to create a cleaner, more resilient and cost-effective energy system that drives lasting economic development.”
“We’re proud to help Vermont businesses like Vermont Bedrooms find their clean energy future,” said Tom Berry, SunCommon’s vice president of marketing.
“Solar just makes sense,” said Beanland. “This will save me money in the long run and that makes me a stronger local, family business.”