Innovator

Already host to a wind turbine, solar panels and other alternative energy projects, the maritime academy is slotted to demonstrate a hydrokinetic turbine that will harness water currents for electricity production.

"The one area where we have not taken advantage of our location ... is the canal current," said Adm. Richard Gurnon, president of the state college.

The 1.4-meter turbine was designed by Free Flow Power Corp., a Boston-based renewable energy developer. It's bidirectional design allows its blades to change directions with the current. The turbine's spinning blades should produce one kilowatt of electricity, about enough to power a house, said Lt. Hung "Tom" Pham, projects officer for marine operations at the maritime academy.

The hydrokinetic turbine effort, dubbed the Muskeget Channel Demonstration Project, was funded by a $98,000 grant from Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and drew on research from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. The device will charge an ultracapacitor battery from Boston-based FastCap Systems.

"This whole project is about demonstrating technology using Massachusetts resources," Pham said.

During an Aug. 15 demonstration of the turbine, officials will bring the device into the Muskeget Channel between Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket and attempt to generate power, Gurnon said.

The findings will help support the town of Edgartown's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission filing for a pilot project to develop hydrokinetic power, said Stephen Barrett, of Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc., the town's consultant on the project.

"They'll be making some environmental observations and making some underwater noise observations," Barrett said of the Aug. 15 demonstration.

Edgartown has already received a FERC permit to study the idea's feasibility, he added.

The maritime academy could help Edgartown develop the first successful hydrokinetic power project in the state, but others have struggled to launch similar projects in the recent past.

In 2007, Natural Currents Energy Services LLC received a preliminary FERC permit to install a test tidal turbine in the Cape Cod Canal, and in 2009 company officials announced their intention to install a turbine pending further permits.

The company, which at one point was in partnership talks with the maritime academy, called off the project when "some of the promised support didn't come through," said Roger Bason, Natural Currents' president.

About half of the maritime academy's students are studying engineering. The cadets will work as maintenance technicians on the hydrokinetic turbine project, Pham said, adding the effort will give a new generation of engineers experience with innovative alternative energy technology.

"That's why it's so critical for us to get involved," Pham said. "We can test the alternative technology and teach our students."

If the turbine, which was already tested in the Mississippi River, is successful, Gurnon hopes to develop the capacity to produce hydrokinetic energy equal to the maritime academy's 660-kilowatt wind turbine, which saves the school about $250,000 in electricity costs annually.

"It's truly the next step," Gurnon said. "If we can solve this, the potential truly is to light the world with water."

Building on the success of the new residential Commonwealth Solar Hot Water program, which has awarded rebates for 110 solar hot water projects at homes across Massachusetts since its opening in February 2011, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today unveiled a new rebate program to help building owners finance commercial size solar hot water projects.
“This new solar hot water initiative will put clean, solar technology within the reach of more businesses across the Commonwealth, building on the stunning success of existing MassCEC solar power incentive programs and locking in long-term energy savings for commercial and industrial building owners,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Richard K. Sullivan Jr., who chairs the MassCEC board of directors. 
“This program will continue our solar revolution here in the Commonwealth by helping building owners assess the benefits of installing solar hot water as a means to managing rising energy costs,” said MassCEC Executive Director Patrick Cloney. “This program is just one of many, helping people throughout Massachusetts adopt clean energy technologies.”
The Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Commercial Pilot Program complements the current Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Residential Pilot Program by providing funding to commercial and large multi-family building owners interested in installing solar hot water (SHW) systems. The program will offer $1 million in grants through a non-competitive application process for SHW pre-design studies and construction projects.  
Starting this week, MassCEC will begin accepting applications for pre-design study grants for commercial and large multi-family building owners interested in installing solar hot water. Eligible applicants can receive up to $10,000, with a required a cost-share of 25 percent for non-public commercial entities. No cost share is required for public entities.
Click Here To Access Application Documents for the Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Commercial Program
In September 2011, MassCEC will begin accepting applications for design and construction grants, which will be structured similar to the residential rebates in which rebates are based on project size and the solar collector’s efficiency rating. 
Solar hot water systems generate heat from sunlight to make hot water. Roof mounted solar ‘collectors’ for hot water systems look very similar to solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, which generate electricity rather than hot water.  A solar hot water system can be connected to a home’s existing hot water tank to heat water and usually provides 50 percent to 75 percent of total household hot water needs. Some solar hot water systems can also connect with the heating system to provide space heating.  Because about 20 percent of the energy a consumer uses at home goes to heating hot water, solar hot water systems can generate significant savings by decreasing the amount of gas, oil or electricity used to heat the water. 
To qualify, a resident and project site must be an electric customer of NSTAR, National Grid, Unitil, or Western Massachusetts Electric Co., or of a municipal power company that participates in MassCEC's Renewable Energy Trust Fund. These include Ashburnham, Templeton, Holden, Holyoke and Russell. The Commonwealth Solar Hot Water program is funded with $1 million from MassCEC’s Renewable Energy Trust Fund. 
In the first five months of the Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Residential Pilot Program, MassCEC has awarded more than $200,000 in rebates, which has helped to sell almost $1.6 million of solar hot water systems in Massachusetts. These 110 projects total over 10,000 square feet of solar collectors, equivalent to over 620,000 kWh in expected annual energy production. A total of 35 primary installers have successfully submitted an application through the program.
As a result of the Commonwealth Solar photovoltaic rebate programs launched in 2008 and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for solar on water treatment facilities and other public buildings, Massachusetts has seen a more than 30-fold increase in solar PV installations since 2007. As of August 2011 there are more than 57 MW of solar energy installed in Massachusetts, and an additional 36 MW under contract for installation, up from 3.5 MW when Governor Patrick took office.
CommSolar rebate programs also helped spur a vibrant solar industry in Massachusetts. According to a MassCEC survey of clean energy companies, employment in solar manufacturing, installation, and services has increased nearly three times since Governor Patrick first took office, and solar manufacturing jobs alone have close to tripled from 2007 to 2010.
To find out more about solar hot water, see the “Solar Hot Water Factsheet” at www.masscec.com/solarhotwater.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced that 18 residents or businesses have contracted with New England Breeze to install solar photovoltaic (PV) through MassCEC’s Solarize Mass pilot. The projects will install 101.75 kW of solar in Harvard, allowing residents and business owners to install solar at a further discounted rates through the Solarize Mass. 
“Congratulations to the town of Harvard for surpassing this milestone, ensuring the community lower price points on solar power that will likely spur even greater adoption of solar power,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., who chairs the MassCEC board. “As of today, Massachusetts has nearly 60 megawatts of solar power installed – and Solarize Mass is another way we are spreading the solar revolution across the state.”  
“Solarize Massachusetts is not only teaching residents and business owners in these four towns that solar energy is a viable way to manage energy costs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but it is also helping drive down costs of solar across the state,” said MassCEC Executive Director Patrick Cloney. “I am thrilled to see the level of enthusiasm that these four communities have shown towards their clean energy future.”
As part of the Solarize Mass pilot MassCEC issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for bulk purchasing business models from solar integrators in which installation costs are based on a tiered structure that provide lower costs with increased capacity of solar installed within the community. New England Breeze was selected as the Solarize installer for Harvard, and is the first installer to reach 100 kW through the program.
MassCEC’s Solarize Mass team, New England Breeze and Harvard residents who have already contracted to install solar will hold a third and final event called Solarize NOW on Saturday September 10, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Harvard Soccer Fields, 56 Depot Road in Harvard. The Solarize Mass and New England Breeze teams will be on site to answer solar questions. Residents are encouraged to bring their utility bill to get an instant solar assessment, and enter to win an additional $500 rebate through Solarize Mass. Solarize Mass participants must sign a contract to install solar by September 30 to obtain group purchasing discounts.
For more information on Solarize Mass visit: www.MassCEC.com/solarizemass.
"It's terrific that Harvard has achieved this milestone in the Solarize Massachusetts program. It demonstrates Harvards' continued commitment to renewable energy programs and a clean energy future," said Harvard Selectman Timothy Clark.
“So far the Solarize Mass program has been a HUGE success in Harvard. It has made residents more aware of their energy usage and environmental impact,” said Solarize Mass Harvard Program Manager Kristen Ferguson. “The program also highlights the value of a solid economic investment like solar power. New England Breeze is working hard to keep up with new inquiries daily. Harvard residents are taking advantage of the especially low Solarize Mass prices and making a strong push toward even lower pricing.”
“The community of Harvard has been a leader in environmental conservation, and the town as a whole has really embraced renewable energy programs as the way of the future. The great success of Solarize Massachusetts in Harvard is a testament to the town’s commitment to clean energy and a healthy environment, and I applaud them for achieving this milestone,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge.
“Harvard continues to lead Massachusetts in a positive direction, embracing renewable resources as a community,” State Representative Jennifer Benson. “I am happy the program has been so successful and I hope their example inspires other communities to follow.”
Solarize Massachusetts was launched in four pilot communities in Massachusetts this spring to encourage residents and business owners to adopt solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. MassCEC, in partnership with the Green Communities Division of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) selected the communities of Harvard, Hatfield, Scituate, and Winchester to participate in the model, which leverages education, grassroots marketing, and group purchasing to accelerate the adoption of solar PV. MassCEC has provided education and marketing support to help the four communities implement a community-wide solar PV program for residential and small-scale commercial projects, and deploy bulk-purchasing business model to reduce costs.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center (MTTC) have launched the fourth solicitation for the MassCEC Catalyst Program, which is aimed at commercializing the game-changing clean energy technologies coming out of Massachusetts’ world-class research institutions.
“Massachusetts’ outstanding academic and research institutions – and the innovations they produce - are integral to the growth of our clean energy sector. MassCEC’s Catalyst Program provides a leg up toward commercialization of these technologies and I look forward to seeing the next round of funded projects,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., who chairs the MassCEC board of directors.
“MassCEC’s Catalyst program showcases the Commonwealth’s vibrant community of passionate technologists who are working to propel clean energy technologies from the research lab to the global marketplace,” said MassCEC Executive Director Patrick Cloney.
The MassCEC Catalyst Program, which is funded by MassCEC and managed by MTTC, awards early-stage researchers grant awards up to $40,000 to help demonstrate the commercial viability of their clean energy technology. In September, MassCEC’s Board of Directors approved funding for two rounds of the MassCEC Catalyst Program for fiscal year 2012.
“The proof of concept funds offered through MassCEC’s Catalyst program really help researchers at Massachusetts universities and research institutes move their technologies from the lab bench towards commercial products.  We are pleased that the MassCEC board recently awarded additional funding so that we can continue this important program.” said MTTC Director Abi Barrow.
Recipients must use funding for projects that move their technologies towards commercialization. This includes gathering initial data to demonstrate proof of concept, how the technology compares to existing technologies and competitive advantages of the technology, or to develop a prototype for the technology. The goal of the MassCEC Catalyst Program is to help technologies progress along the development curve to a point where additional commercialization funding can be obtained.
“For a small research institution like Boston College, external proof of concept funds are important in helping faculty advanced projects.  Many innovations made with basic research support are immature when disclosed to my office and need to be developed into a comprehensive asset to attract significant capital investment,” said Boston College Director, Office for Technology Transfer and Licensing Catherine L. Ives. “The Mass CEC Catalyst program provides this critical funding and has been a key component of developing our new battery technology.” 
“The MassCEC Catalyst award has been extremely helpful in providing the resources necessary to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of our novel technology,” said Catalyst grantee and Western New England University Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Bart Lipkens. “We have built and tested a prototype separation system at a larger scale and shown that our technology is scalable.  Through the MTTC’s Platform meeting we were provided an opportunity to pitch our new company to a group of entrepreneurs and venture capital investors.” 
To be eligible for an award a researcher must be a principal investigator, the technology must be disclosed to a researcher’s host institution and the host institution must be in Massachusetts.
The first deadline for applicants is October 19, 2011. Application directions are available at: http://www.mattcenter.org/events/grants-home.html
For more information, contact Michele Bernier at the MTTC at
mbernier@umassp.edu';
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The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced that 42 residents or businesses have contracted with New England Breeze to install solar photovoltaic (PV) projects through MassCEC’s Solarize Mass pilot. The projects will total 219 kW of solar in Harvard, allowing residents and business owners to install solar at a further discounted rates through Solarize Mass. 
“Congratulations to the town of Harvard for surpassing this milestone, ensuring the community lower price points on solar power that will likely spur even greater adoption of solar power,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., who chairs the MassCEC board. “As of today, Massachusetts has nearly 60 megawatts of solar power installed – and Solarize Mass is another way we are spreading the solar revolution across the state.”  
“Solarize Massachusetts is not only teaching residents and business owners in these four towns that solar energy is a viable way to manage energy costs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but it is also helping drive down costs of solar across the state,” said MassCEC Executive Director Patrick Cloney. “I am thrilled to see the level of enthusiasm that these four communities have shown towards their clean energy future.”
"Harvard, designated a Green Community by the Department of Energy Resources, has demonstrated once again what can happen when a community comes together at the grassroots level to achieve its clean energy goals.  As soon as they were selected to participate, the Harvard municipal team and Energy Committee hit the ground running with outreach to their residents on the Solarize Mass program.   They are a true example of how we are going to create a cleaner energy future for Massachusetts – community by community," said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia.
As part of the Solarize Mass pilot MassCEC issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for bulk purchasing business models from solar integrators in which installation costs are based on a tiered structure that provide lower costs with increased capacity of solar installed within the community. New England Breeze was selected as the Solarize installer for Harvard, and is the first installer to reach 200 kW through the program.
Due to soaring demand MassCEC has extended the deadline for Solarize Mass. Harvard residents will be able to take advantage of the Solarize Mass pricing achieved by September 30 through October 31. This extension will allow residents to sign proposals they have received at the Solarize price tier achieved by September 30th. Contracts signed after September 30th will not help lower solar PV pricing in Harvard, but the extension through October 31 will enable more Harvard residents and business to take advantage of extremely competitive pricing.
For more information on Solarize Mass visit: www.MassCEC.com/solarizemass.
"Achieving Tier 3 pricing shows the Harvard's commitment to renewable energy and is great news for Harvard residents that have elected to install solar PV,” said Solarize Mass Harvard Organizer Jim Elkind. “More importantly, this milestone validates the potential for communities, the state, and businesses to partner to markedly increase the adoption of renewable energy."
"Interest in the Solarize Mass program in Harvard has really picked up in the last several weeks as the program deadline approaches.  There is real excitement about how many solar homes will be in town," said Solarize Mass Harvard Program Manager Kristen Ferguson.
“Harvard’s continued leadership in the Solarize Massachusetts program is great news for my constituents, more of whom will now have a clean, reliable source of electricity, and for the Commonwealth as a whole whose forwarding-looking energy policies are creating good, green jobs in Massachusetts, which reduce our dependence on out-of-state energy sources.” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge.
“Harvard continues to provide leadership to the Commonwealth by proving this program can make a difference on a home by home basis. This model proves that individuals, when given support and tools, can have a large positive influence on our future environment,” said Representative Jennifer Benson.
Solarize Massachusetts was launched in four pilot communities in Massachusetts this spring to encourage residents and business owners to adopt solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. MassCEC, in partnership with the Green Communities Division of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) selected the communities of Harvard, Hatfield, Scituate, and Winchester to participate in the model, which leverages education, grassroots marketing, and group purchasing to accelerate the adoption of solar PV. MassCEC has provided education and marketing support to help the four communities implement a community-wide solar PV program for residential and small-scale commercial projects, and deploy bulk-purchasing business model to reduce costs.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced that 23 residents or businesses have contracted with Alteris Renewables to install solar photovoltaic (PV) through MassCEC’s Solarize Mass pilot. The projects will install 110 kW of solar in Winchester, allowing residents and business owners to install solar at a further discounted rates through Solarize Mass. 
“Congratulations to the town of Winchester for surpassing this milestone, ensuring the community lower price points on solar power that will likely spur even greater adoption of solar power,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., who chairs the MassCEC board. “As of today, Massachusetts has nearly 60 megawatts of solar power installed – and Solarize Mass is another way we are spreading the solar revolution across the state.”  
“Winchester is another example that Solarize Massachusetts is motivating residents and business owners in these four towns to adopt solar energy as a viable way to manage energy costs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels ,” said MassCEC Executive Director Patrick Cloney. “I congratulate Winchester in reaching the second pricing tier and hope to see more community members go solar in the coming month.”
"Winchester, designated a Green Community by the Department of Energy Resources, has demonstrated once again what can happen when a community comes together at the grassroots level to achieve its clean energy goals.  As soon as they were selected to participate, the Winchester municipal team and Cool Winchester hit the ground running with outreach to their residents on the Solarize Mass program. They are a true example of how we are going to create a cleaner energy future for Massachusetts – community by community," said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia.
As part of the Solarize Mass pilot MassCEC issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for bulk purchasing business models from solar integrators in which installation costs are based on a tiered structure that provide lower costs with increased capacity of solar installed within the community. Alteris was selected as the Solarize installer for Winchester.
MassCEC’s Solarize Mass team will be present at Winchester’s Eco Festival on October 15 at the Town Common. The Solarize Mass team and Alteris Renewables will be on site to answer solar questions.
For more information on Solarize Mass visit: www.MassCEC.com/solarizemass.
“Helping Winchester’s residents and businesses take advantage of cost saving and carbon reducing energy alternatives is very important to the Town.  It is terrific that so many residents have decided to install solar as part of this great cost saving program,” Tom Howley, member of the Board of Selectmen. “We really appreciate the work being done by Solarize Massachusetts, Sustainable Winchester and others to make sure this program is available to as many people as possible.”
"We are very excited that Winchester has hit the Tier 2 incentive in the Solarize Mass program. The residents of Winchester have shown great ambition in investing in solar energy and taking advantage of the Solarize Mass price incentives. We hope that the momentum continues and they can achieve the Tier 3 incentive level,” Jim Olivia, Director of Sales at Alteris Renewables. 
“It has been great to see the enthusiastic response from Winchester residents and businesses who are seizing the opportunity to install solar PV panels that will reduce their electricity bills and lower greenhouse gas emissions,” said State Rep. Jason Lewis.
Solarize Massachusetts was launched in four pilot communities in Massachusetts this spring to encourage residents and business owners to adopt solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. MassCEC, in partnership with the Green Communities Division of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) selected the communities of Harvard, Hatfield, Scituate, and Winchester to participate in the model, which leverages education, grassroots marketing, and group purchasing to accelerate the adoption of solar PV. MassCEC has provided education and marketing support to help the four communities implement a community-wide solar PV program for residential and small-scale commercial projects, and deploy bulk-purchasing business model to reduce costs.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) announced significant growth in the Massachusetts clean energy economy, which now employs more than 64,000 people, according to the 2011 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report released today. The report identified 4,909 clean energy companies across the state that saw a 6.7 percent increase in jobs between July 2010 to July 2011, and expect employment growth rate of 15.2 percent from July 2011 to July 2012.
“The data reported by MassCEC today are good news for the Massachusetts economy and our environment,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., who chairs the MassCEC Board of Directors. “Through Governor Patrick’s vision and supported by MassCEC’s innovative programs, the Commonwealth has become fertile ground for growing a clean energy future and we are well on our way.”
The 2011 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report, which includes a breakdown of company and employment data by technology sector and geographic region, and information on workforce trends was prepared by BW Research Partnership on behalf of MassCEC. The report identified 4,909 clean energy companies in the state. According to a survey of these clean energy companies, 64,310 people are directly involved in work related to the state’s clean energy sector, representing 1.5 percent of all jobs in the Commonwealth. 
Click Here to Download the Full Report. 
The survey found a large number of firms in varied industries - ranging from construction and manufacturing to research and development - reporting activity and employment in the clean energy sector. Additionally the report identified a large number of companies that don’t necessarily identify themselves as clean energy companies first, but directly engage in activities related to the clean energy cluster - showing that clean energy penetrates numerous sectors of the Massachusetts economy.
“The findings announced today prove that our vibrant community of talented people, world-class academic and research institutions, and supportive government leaders together make the Commonwealth a smart place to start or grow a clean energy business,” said MassCEC Executive Director Patrick Cloney.  “Thanks to Governor Patrick’s leadership, we are making clean energy a marquee industry in Massachusetts, just like life sciences and IT.”
For the purposes of the report, a clean energy firm is defined as a company directly involved with researching, developing, producing, manufacturing, distributing or implementing components, goods or services related to renewable energy, energy efficiency or conservation, smart grid, energy storage, carbon management, and/or electric or hybrid vehicles. BW Research Partnership administered surveys online and by telephone to a list of employers known to be engaged in the clean energy industry, as well as to a representative, clustered, random sample of companies from the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) industries identified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as being potentially related to the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and alternative transportation sectors.
The random sampling component of the research methodology used in this study is unique compared to past studies of jobs in the clean energy economy, in that data were collected from firms outside of the clean energy sector that have employees working in clean energy, as well as from businesses identified as clean energy companies. This methodology allows MassCEC to fully quantify employment data for the Massachusetts clean energy industry.
In total, researchers made more than 29,000 telephone calls and sent more than 4,800 emails to employers, yielding 1,401 survey responses with a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.
"Unlike most recent studies of the clean energy cluster, this report includes random sampling of employers to determine the breadth and depth of its penetration into mainstream industries such as manufacturing, construction, and agriculture,” said BW Research Partnership Principal Phil Jordan. “MassCEC recognized the importance of having reliable and accurate data on this important cluster, which required a significant data collection effort. This effort, together with strong participation from the employers in the state, provides us with survey data that has a very low margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level. This low margin of error is almost unheard of in studies of emerging fields like clean energy."

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced that 17 residents or businesses have contracted with Alteris Renewables Inc. to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems through MassCEC’s Solarize Mass pilot. The projects will install 105 kW of solar in Hatfield, allowing residents and business owners to install solar at discounted rates through the Solarize Mass pilot. 
“Congratulations to the town of Hatfield for surpassing this milestone, ensuring the community lower price points on solar power that will likely spur even greater adoption of solar power,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., who chairs the MassCEC board. “As of today, Massachusetts has more than 60 megawatts of solar power installed – and Solarize Mass is another way we are spreading the solar revolution across the state.”  
“Hatfield is another example of how Solarize Massachusetts is motivating residents and business owners in these four towns to adopt solar energy as a viable way to manage energy costs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels ,” said MassCEC Executive Director Patrick Cloney. “I congratulate Hatfield in reaching the second pricing tier and hope to see more community members go solar in the next week.”
"We are very excited that Hatfield has hit the Tier 2 incentive in the Solarize Mass program. The residents of Hatfield have shown great ambition in investing in solar energy and taking advantage of the Solarize Mass price incentives. We hope that the momentum continues and they can achieve the Tier 3 incentive level,” Jim Olivia, Director of Sales at Alteris Renewables. 
As part of the Solarize Mass pilot MassCEC issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for bulk purchasing business models from solar integrators in which installation costs are based on a tiered structure that provide lower costs with increased capacity of solar installed within the community. Alteris Renewables Inc. was selected as the Solarize installer for Hatfield.
The pilot will be concluding on October 31st, and Hatfield residents have until that date to contract for a PV system in order to be eligible for the reduced installation rates.
For more information on Solarize Mass visit: www.MassCEC.com/solarizemass.
“Hatfield is pleased to have been selected to be a part of this important Solarize Pilot Program sponsored by the MassCEC that will help pioneer the way for all Massachusetts residents and business owners to invest in Solar electric power. Even with all the incentives, tax credits and SRECs (solar renewable energy credits) that make this a “no-brainer” good investment, having achieved Tier 2 pricing is a well deserved extra bonus for those who have already signed system contracts as well as those who sign up by October 31st when the program ends,” said Hatfield Energy Committee Chair Christopher Smith. “While Hatfield, the smallest population town of this state-wide program, will likely not have the largest kW total, it can be proudly said we have achieved the greatest per resident commitment to solar energy of the four towns that participated.”
"The people of Hatfield should be proud that they are helping lead our state toward a clean energy future," State Senator Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst) said. "I hope their hard work and subsequent success serves as an example for other communities that are interested in 'going green.'"
Solarize Massachusetts was launched in four pilot communities in Massachusetts this spring to encourage residents and business owners to adopt solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. MassCEC, in partnership with the Green Communities Division of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) selected the communities of Harvard, Hatfield, Scituate, and Winchester to participate in the model, which leverages education, grassroots marketing, and group purchasing to accelerate the adoption of solar PV. MassCEC has provided education and marketing support to help the four communities implement a community-wide solar PV program for residential and small-scale commercial projects, and deploy bulk-purchasing business model to reduce costs.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced that 27 residents or businesses have contracted with Munro Distributing to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems through MassCEC’s Solarize Mass pilot. The projects will install 102.33 kW of solar in Scituate, allowing residents and business owners to install solar at discounted rates through the Solarize Mass pilot.  
“Congratulations to the town of Scituate for surpassing this milestone, ensuring the community lower price points on solar power that will likely spur even greater adoption of solar power,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., who chairs the MassCEC board. “As of today, Massachusetts has nearly 60 megawatts of solar power installed – and Solarize Mass is another way we are spreading the solar revolution across the state.”   
“Scituate is another example that Solarize Massachusetts is motivating residents and business owners in these four towns to adopt solar energy as a viable way to manage energy costs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels ,” said MassCEC Executive Director Patrick Cloney. “I congratulate Scituate in reaching the second pricing tier and hope to see more community members go solar by the end of the month.”
“We are extremely pleased for Scituate residents that will reap the financial benefits of Solarize Mass tier II pricing,” said Glenn Maltais, VP Market Development and Sustainability at Munro Distributing Company, Inc.  “The community has shown a tremendous amount of foresight by embracing this unique opportunity to go solar. It’s hard not to be impressed by individuals with the fortitude to look beyond today’s challenges and act collectively to bring about a better tomorrow. We commend their efforts, and hope other communities join them in ushering in the era of clean energy and sustainable living.” 
 “It is terrific news that Scituate has reached tier II. The installer Munro Distributing and MassCEC have put a lot of hard work into the process, and now everyone will benefit,” said Scituate Town Planner Laura Harbottle. 
“The people of Scituate are proving their commitment to clean green energy,” said Representative Garrett Bradley.  “I am thrilled that more residents will have access to discounted solar panels and hope even more will participate.”
As part of the Solarize Mass pilot MassCEC issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for bulk purchasing business models from solar integrators in which installation costs are based on a tiered structure that provide lower costs with increased capacity of solar installed within the community. Munro Distributing Company, Inc. was selected as the Solarize installer for Scituate. 
The pilot will be concluding Monday October 31st, and Scituate residents will have until that date to contract for a PV system in order to be eligible for the reduced installation rates. 
For more information on Solarize Mass visit: www.MassCEC.com/solarizemass. 
Solarize Massachusetts was launched in four pilot communities in Massachusetts this spring to encourage residents and business owners to adopt solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. MassCEC, in partnership with the Green Communities Division of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) selected the communities of Harvard, Hatfield, Scituate, and Winchester to participate in the model, which leverages education, grassroots marketing, and group purchasing to accelerate the adoption of solar PV. MassCEC has provided education and marketing support to help the four communities implement a community-wide solar PV program for residential and small-scale commercial projects, and deploy bulk-purchasing business model to reduce costs. 

Kicking off the Fifth Annual Massachusetts Clean Energy Week, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today highlighted the Commonwealth’s vibrant clean energy industry and state clean energy leadership. 
Massachusetts’ expanding clean energy community, which has recently seen significant growth and recognition as a national leader due in large part to Patrick-Murray Administration policies and programs, will be highlighted in a series of events this week, starting with today’s Seventh Annual Conference on Clean energy at the Westin Waterfront in Boston. 
“Thanks to our investments in this growing industry, Massachusetts is now a national leader in clean energy,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “Clean Energy Week showcases the Commonwealth’s vibrant clean energy sector that will fuel our economy and protect our environment well into the future.”
Governor Patrick is scheduled to deliver remarks at the conference, which provides attendees with an action-packed day covering the latest investment opportunities, business insights, career options, and fundraising strategies in clean energy. Other events throughout the week include Strategic Partner Day, Boston Cleantech Venture Day, the Clean Energy Connections Conference in Springfield, the New England Clean Energy Council’s Green Tie Gala, theU.S.-Canada Energy Trade and Technology Conference, and the New England Marine Renewable Energy Center 3rd Annual Technical Conference.
Additionally, MassCEC is hosting 11 international companies from Mexico, France, Norway, Italy, Venezuela and Israel in the Commonwealth’s first-ever Global Clean Energy Week, designed to give international clean energy companies an opportunity to explore the unique opportunities that Massachusetts offers as a strategic entry point to the US clean energy market.
“In the past two weeks, Massachusetts has been recognized on the national stage for leadership in energy efficiency and deployment of solar energy, and we have released new job numbers illustrating the growing importance of our clean energy sector to the state’s overall economy,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. “Here in Massachusetts, we are pulling out all the stops on our way to Governor Patrick's vision of a clean energy future.”  
“Clean Energy Week is a great display of the innovations taking place all around us and the vibrant community of talented people, world-class academic and research institutions, and supportive government leaders together make the Commonwealth a smart place to start or grow a clean energy business,” said MassCEC Chief Executive Officer Patrick Cloney.  “Thanks to Governor Patrick’s leadership, we are making clean energy a marquee industry in Massachusetts.”
Growing the clean energy sector is a hallmark of the Patrick-Murray Administration. Last week, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) announced that Massachusetts has been named number one in ACEEE's annual state-by-state energy efficiency scorecard, thanks to the Patrick-Murray Administration’s clean energy agenda, which includes the Green Communities Act of 2008 and other innovative programs and policies to save energy and create jobs. 
MassCEC’s recently released 2011 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report finds significant growth in the Massachusetts clean energy economy, which now employs more than 64,000 people. The report identified 4,909 clean energy companies across the state, which saw a 6.7 percent increase in jobs between July 2010 to July 2011, and expect employment growth rate of 15.2 percent from July 2011 to July 2012.
On the generation side, Massachusetts has more than 100 megawatts (MW) of solar energy either installed or under contract throughout the Commonwealth, a nearly 30-fold increase over the 3.5 MW installed when Governor Patrick took office. During the same timeframe, wind power has increased from 3.1 MW in 2007 to over 40 MW now installed and another 100 MW in design or construction.
Additionally, this May, Governor Patrick and U.S. Department of Energy officials opened the Wind Technology Testing Center (WTTC) in Charlestown, which is currently open for business and testing wind blades from leading wind energy companies, speeding deployment of the next generation of wind blades into the marketplace, attracting companies to design, manufacture and test their blades in the United States and catalyzing growth in the American wind turbine supply chain.
For additional information about the conference and other events visit the following website: http://greenovationconference.com/conference-info/cew.html