Massachusetts selects five communities, three nonprofits to participate in state’s solar energy programs
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) recently announced that it selected five communities and three non-profit organizations to participate in a pair of state solar energy programs.
The communities of Lincoln-Sudbury-Wayland, Newburyport, and Winthrop were chosen for Solarize Mass, a group purchasing program that can save customers up to 21 percent on solar costs compared to the statewide average.
Mass Energy Consumers Alliance (Mass Energy), the Cape and Islands Self Reliance Corporation (Self Reliance) and the Marion Institute were selected for the 2017 Mass Solar Connect program, a group buying program for members of participating nonprofit organizations.
“Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in clean energy solutions, propelled by a business climate that encourages and enables new innovative technologies,” Governor Charlie Baker said. “The Solarize Mass Program and the Mass Solar Connect Program are two great examples of our Administration working with communities and nonprofits to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the Commonwealth, while simultaneously bringing energy costs down for the people of Massachusetts.”
This is the second time since 2012 that residents of Newburyport, Lincoln, Sudbury and Wayland will be able to participate in the Solarize Mass program. The communities opted to participate in Solarize Mass Plus, which allowed the public to pair solar electric systems with the purchase of solar hot water systems, air source heat pumps or electric vehicles for discounted pricing. The Lincoln-Sudbury-Wayland communities selected discounted solar hot water systems, while the City of Newburyport chose air source heat pumps.
The Mass Solar Connect program, Massachusetts-based members of the selected non-profit organizations will receive access to reduced pricing through an online platform. Their combined 35,000 members will be able to compare solar costs online. Through the program, members of Mass Energy will partner with EnergySage, while Self Reliance and the Marion Institute will partner with Pick My Solar.
“Massachusetts continues to be a national leader in solar and that is due in large part to our municipal partners who understand the importance of renewable energy,” Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson said. “The new Solarize communities and nonprofits are taking an important step in helping us build a clean, affordable, and resilient energy future for the Commonwealth.”
Fifty-eight communities have participated in the Solarize Mass Program since its launch in 2011, which has led to 3,400 small-scale solar installations with a total capacity of 20.6 megawatts (MW). The Mass Solar Connect Program, which launched in 2015, has resulted in a total of 1.9 MW of solar energy.
