Main Street Power to Install Solar on Two Bridgeport, Connecticut K-8 Schools

Rooftop Solar Panels and Science Curriculum to Educate a Generation of Energy-Aware Students

Bridgeport, Conn., September 18, 2013---Main Street Power Company, Inc. ("Main Street Power"), in partnership with MS Solar Solutions Corp., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, today announced the start of construction on rooftop solar arrays for two schools in Connecticut's Bridgeport Public Schools district.


The two PK-8 schools to benefit from the sun's energy and solar education for students are Cesar A. Batalla and Blackham School, with solar arrays sized at 217 kW and 90 kW, respectively. Cesar A. Batalla will see 10 percent of its electricity needs supplied by the solar panels, and Blackham School's panels will supply an estimated 13 percent of its electricity demand.

"Teaching the next generation of conservationists the importance of lowering our carbon footprint to take better care of the planet is one of the highest priorities of our BGreen2020 efforts. This partnership with Main Street Power and CEFIA will bring a renewable energy source to two of our schools, and it will also educate students on the use of solar energy," said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch.

The energy will be purchased under a Solar Power and Services Agreement requiring no upfront costs by the school district, and Mercury Solar Systems will construct the project. Additionally, funding from the state's Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) will support the project. With no upfront costs and lower utility bills, the school district can invest in its students and plans to implement a solar science education curriculum developed by Main Street Power.

Main Street Power's mission to deliver clean and renewable power is grounded in a commitment to social sustainability. The solar financier has a three-star GIIRS rating and owns and operates over 1,000 solar systems nationwide that provide enough electricity to power a town of 25,000 residents. "An exciting part of working with schools is the opportunity to share our solar education modules with the district such that we can all expand our energy awareness," said Amory Host, CEO of Main Street Power. He added, "The education sector represents over half of our 40MW national portfolio, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to public/private partnership."

CEFIA provided funding as part of its mission to deploy clean energy in Connecticut through private capital partnerships. "Congratulations to the city of Bridgeport for yet another exciting clean energy moment. Providing opportunities for students to learn about solar energy and the benefits associated with it---not just this year, but for decades and generations of students to come---provides a platform for knowledge that will help the youth as they prepare for their future in Connecticut's clean energy economy," stated Bryan Garcia, President of CEFIA.

About Main Street Power

Main Street Power Company, Inc. delivers renewable power through distributed generation solar projects. Main Street Power owns, and operates solar assets at schools, colleges, cities, utilities, and nonprofits through a partnership with MS Solar Solutions Corp. A commitment to solving social and environmental problems through clean energy, local jobs creation, and solar science education for children has earned Main Street Power a three-star GIIRS rating by B-Lab, the global social impact rating organization. Visit the company online at mainstreetpower.com.

About MS Solar Solutions Corp.

MS Solar Solutions Corp. (MSSS) is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), one of the world's leading financial institutions. MSSS focuses on helping to develop and finance solar photovoltaic (PV) projects through strategic relationships with industry participants including developers, suppliers, installers, governmental agencies and the community at-large.

About Mercury Solar Systems

Headquartered in Port Chester, NY, Mercury Solar Systems is one of the premier installers of solar energy systems on the East Coast and has been recognized as one of Inc. 500's fastest growing energy companies for two consecutive years. They operate in ten States in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Mercury has completed over 2,000 solar installations for utility, commercial, non-profit and residential customers. Mercury Solar Systems is a subsidiary of Mercury Energy, a leading provider of solar energy systems throughout the United States.

About the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority

CEFIA was established by Connecticut's General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80. This new quasi-public agency supersedes the former Connecticut Clean Energy Fund. CEFIA's mission is to promote, develop and invest in clean energy and energy efficiency projects in order to strengthen Connecticut's economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. As the nation's first full-scale clean energy finance authority, CEFIA leverages public and private funds to drive investment and scale-up clean energy deployment in Connecticut. For more information about CEFIA, please visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

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