Innovator

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced that 162 residents or businesses contracted to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems through the Solarize Massachusetts pilot, which launched in May 2011. These residents will install a total of 829 kilowatts (kW) of solar in the pilot towns of Harvard, Hatfield, Scituate, and Winchester.
“Solar power is the fastest growing segment of the Massachusetts renewable energy industry and continuing that growth is a cornerstone of Governor Patrick’s clean energy agenda, including our nation-leading Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2020,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., who chairs the MassCEC board. “Already named “Green Communities” by the Department of Energy Resources, these four towns have taken clean energy leadership a step further – demonstrating the power of using community connections to catalyze wider adoption of solar energy and greater energy independence.”
Solar power has expanded dramatically since Governor Patrick took office in 2007 – growing from just 3.5 megawatts (MW) installed statewide then to nearly 100 MW now either installed or under contract today.  This growth is supporting a growing solar power industry. The number of solar installers operating in Massachusetts has grown from 50 in 2007 to more than 250 today. Overall, clean energy jobs are growing in Massachusetts according to the 2011 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report, which finds that clean energy jobs grew 6.7 percent between July 2010 and July 2011. Solar energy is the most prominent renewable energy technology area for Massachusetts clean energy companies, with more than two in three renewable energy employers working with solar energy technologies.
Below are the results for each Solarize Massachusetts town:
Harvard
75 solar PV systems for 402.56 kW
Hatfield
22 solar PV systems for 147 kW
Scituate
30 solar PV systems for 115.2 kW
Winchester
35 solar PV systems 164.6 kW 
Before the launch of Solarize Mass Harvard had 13 residential systems installed, Hatfield had five residential systems installed, Winchester had four residential systems installed and Scituate had seven residential systems installed. The solar capacity installed through Solarize Massachusetts will save 651 metric tons of CO2 annually. During their lifetimes, these PV systems will save over 13,000 metric tons of CO2, equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 2,500 cars.
“These communities saw the opportunity in this exciting new model and led the way, demonstrating once again what can happen at the grassroots level to achieve the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals,” said Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Mark Sylvia.  “Residents are choosing PV systems in their homes not only to reduce their carbon footprint, but also because it made good economic sense.  Solarize Mass and the results achieved are a true example of how we are going to create a cleaner energy future for Massachusetts – community by community.”
“The Solarize Massachusetts pilot has helped residents and business owners in these four towns adopt solar energy as a viable way to manage energy costs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels while allowing us to teach more people about the benefits of clean energy,” said MassCEC Chief Executive Officer Patrick Cloney. “I congratulate Harvard, Hatfield, Scituate and Winchester in their achievements in making their town a strong part of our 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, Munro Distributing Company, Inc. was selected as the Solarize installer for Scituate, and Real Goods Solar, formerly Alteris Renewables, Inc was selected as the Solarize installer for Hatfield and Winchester. 
“I am extremely proud to have been part of Harvard’s enthusiastic response to Solarize. The community produced a resounding success and a legacy that will extend beyond the 75 systems purchased under the program,” said Solarize Mass Community Coordinator in Harvard Jim Elkind. “The community education and enthusiasm from Solarize have catalyzed Harvard residents to create a community solar garden for those that could not Solarize. It’s tremendous that the Solarize program, an unanticipated benefit of having become a Green Community last year, will benefit so many residents for years to come.”
“I’m delighted that thirty Scituate households were able to take advantage of this program,” said Scituate Town Planner Laura Harbottle.
“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,” said Hatfield Energy Committee Chair Christopher Smith. “The program has shown that even for a small town like Hatfield with a part time and volunteer energy committee, no media outreach, other than local access TV, we could attract an enormous amount of interest from townspeople. When we began in May of this year we thought we would be happy to sign up only 50 kW of mostly small systems, but when we drove home the message of group buying and the many incentives, both state and federal, the final number was almost 148 kW — nearly triple our projection. Hatfield applauds the Governor's continued support and investment in alternative and energy conservation.”
“Winchester homeowners, businesses and government are lowering their energy spending and carbon emissions and we know that solar power will play an important part in achieving their goals,” said Winchester Board of Selectman member Tom Howley. “Participating in the Solarize Massachusetts program has jump started our efforts to help our community take advantage of solar technology. With 35 new installations Winchester has taken a significant step towards becoming a solar community.”
“New England Breeze Solar is pleased to have been part of this unprecedented success,” said New England Breeze President Mark Durrenberger. “The community residents responded enthusiastically to the program and appreciated our responsiveness and willingness to answer questions.  We hope to see the success of this program replicated in communities and organizations across the state.”
“We were very encouraged from the results of the Solarize Massachusetts pilot program. The key element was the proactive approach the local organizations did to drive the promotion of the program throughout their community,” said Jim Oliva, Director of Sales Northeast region at Real Goods Solar, formerly Alteris Renewables. “As momentum built and people signed up for their solar projects, you could see the communities enthusiasm spread. Also, for a pilot, it was great to see that there were very few bugs to work out throughout the program. MassCEC did a commendable job managing it. We hope to see this program evolve to more communities in the near future.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Solarize Massachusetts pilot program,” said Glenn Maltais, Vice President Market Development and Sustainability at Munro Distributing Company, Inc. “By all measures, this program was a success and a great example of what can be accomplished when public and private sectors work together. Hopefully this is just the first step for the Solarize Mass initiative.”
“Solarize Mass is exactly the type of innovative programming the CEC was created to develop and implement. It's a program that is good for the economy, the community and the environment. I look forward to seeing the program replicated across Massachusetts,” said Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
Senator Benjamin B. Downing.
“The Solarize Massachusetts program has been a great success in the town of Harvard, with local residents and businesses launching 75 new solarization projects in a short amount of time. 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,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge.
"This program provides residents and businesses a means of reducing energy costs while supporting the administration's goal of increasing the Commonwealth's use of renewable energy. I applaud the individuals and businesses that have come to take advantage of this technology, and I look forward to other communities taking advantage of this technology in the future," said State Senator Robert Hedlund.  
“The Solarize Massachusetts pilot program has been a great success for Winchester and for the Commonwealth as a whole,” said State Senator Patricia Jehlen. “Hopefully this program will be expanded to other parts of Massachusetts so that we can continue our transition to cleaner energy sources.”
“It's great to see so many residents of Hatfield taking a leading role in helping bring about a clean energy future for our Commonwealth,” State Senator Stan Rosenberg.
“Solarize Mass in Harvard exemplifies how state agencies, private organizations, and communities can come together to create a successful program that will benefit individuals and the community as a whole,” said State Representative Jennifer Benson. “These 75 PV installations will help lower residents' utility bills, increase the state's use of clean energy and create jobs in the community. I am pleased that Harvard has been at the forefront of this effort and hope that they will serve as a model for other towns.”
“I am thrilled that the residents of Scituate have been so enthusiastic with their commitment to green energy,” said State Representative Garrett Bradley.  “I hope that this success will develop solar energy programs across the Commonwealth.”
"Scituate has long been a leader in implementing clean and efficient energy sources, and I’m proud to say that this pilot program has been a great fit.  That 30 of our residents are taking advantage by installing these solar panels underscores the Town’s commitment to the environment and its future here in the commonwealth of Massachusetts as a clean energy leader,” said State Representative Jim Cantwell.
“It's great to see that one of the outcomes of the passage of the Green Jobs Act in 2008 is residents of Hatfield promoting job creation and green energy production in their own households,” State Representative Peter V. Kocot.
“It has been great to see the enthusiastic response from Winchester residents and businesses who have seized this opportunity to install solar PV panels that will reduce their electricity bills and lower greenhouse gas emissions,” said State Representative 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 Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Residential Pilot Program was launched in February 2011 and was originally scheduled to be a one year pilot program.
However, the solar hot water industry has shown strong support for the program, and there is still a substantial amount of residential rebate funding available. Therefore, we'd like to announce the extension of the Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Residential Pilot Program through the end of June 2012, or until available funds (about $400,000) are expended.

In the meantime, we are working hard to develop a new, full-scale residential solar hot water program. We will send out further updates, and may solicit your feedback, on the development of a new program in the spring as the pilot program comes to a close.

Please continue submitting applications through PowerClerk, and please note that soon we will require all project completion forms to also be submitted through PowerClerk. We will send out a separate announcement next week about this transition.

If you have any questions, please contact the Commonwealth Solar Hot Water team at SolarHotWater@MassCEC.com.

Thank you for your continued support of MassCEC's Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Programs.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center (MTTC) today announced that three clean energy researchers were awarded $40,000 in grants each through MassCEC’s Catalyst Program, which is aimed at commercializing game-changing clean energy technologies being developed in Massachusetts.

“Massachusetts’ outstanding academic and research institutions – and the innovations they produce - are integral to the growth of our clean energy sector and these investments give researchers a leg up toward commercialization,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., who chairs the MassCEC board of directors. “Our clean energy economy is growing in Massachusetts thanks to these types of partnerships between government, academia and the private sector. I’m looking forward to seeing the results of these projects.”

MassCEC’s Catalyst Program, which is funded by MassCEC and managed by MTTC, launched its fifth solicitation for applications today. The program is now accepting applications for grants of up to $40,000 to help demonstrate the commercial viability of clean energy technologies. The program is now open to early-stage companies and research institutions located in Massachusetts.

“I’m thrilled to see another group of passionate technologists come through MassCEC’s Catalyst program, which has proven success in propelling clean energy technologies from the research lab to the commercial marketplace,” said MassCEC Chief Executive Officer Patrick Cloney. “By opening the program up to early-stage companies as well as researchers, we will have the ability to further the development of more clean energy technologies in the Commonwealth.”

“This awards program has been critical to researchers trying to move their technologies from initial discovery to prototype demonstration,” said Abi Barrow, Founding Director of MTTC which manages MassCEC’s Catalyst Program.  “It really helps them show the commercial viability of the invention”

Recipients must use the 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 MassCEC’s Catalyst Program is to help technologies progress along the development curve to a point where additional commercialization funding can be obtained.

“MassCEC’s Catalyst Program provided a springboard that elevated the visibility of Dr.Bart Lipkens’ and Western New England University's novel acoustic filtration and separation technology, and helped in the creation of FloDesign Sonics Inc,” said FloDesign Sonics Inc. CEO Louis Masi. “The funding allowed us to hire three paid students and one additional full-time mechanical engineer, and the company continues to grow in Western Massachusetts.”

The following researchers will receive $40,000:

Vijaya Chalivendra, Ph.D., “Greener High Strength, Lightweight and Low Cost Structural Composites using Sustainable Natural Fibers”
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s Department of Mechanical Engineering
Chalivendra will use MassCEC Catalyst Program funding to fabricate light-weight, sustainable, energy efficient and natural jute fiber reinforced through thickness laminated composites. Researchers will then investigate the mechanical and fracture performance such as crack initiation of these novel composites. These fibers can decrease the weight of vehicles and thus decrease fuel consumption.

Matthew J. Panzer, Ph.D., “Ionogel Electrolytes for the Next Generation of Energy Storage”
Tufts University’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Panzer will use the MassCEC Catalyst Program funding to build an ionogel-based supercapacitor device prototype and to assess its energy storage and delivery capabilities. Ionic liquids offer many advantages for its use in energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors, including safer operation due to their non-volatility as well as larger operating voltages. Tufts researchers have developed a method of creating a solid ionic liquid-containing (ionogel) electrolyte that possesses characteristics similar to those of the ionic liquid, but in a solid form that will not leak or spill. This ionogel could be the basis for a high-power supercapacitor inside an electric vehicle, providing burst power for acceleration and quick charging for a kinetic energy recovery system upon braking.

Carolyn W.T. Lee-Parsons, Ph.D., “Engineering Increased Biodiesel Productivity from Microalgae”
Northeastern University’s Department of Chemical Engineering/Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Researchers plan to use the funding to improve the economics of biodiesel production through cultivation of microalgae engineered with increased oil biosynthesis. The MassCEC Catalyst Program funding will allow researchers to apply the combined technologies of genetic engineering and bioanalysis to identify and manipulate biological targets to increase the production rate of biofuels from microalgae. 

To be eligible for an award an applicant must be a principal investigator, or an early stage company. Researchers applying must disclose their technology and their host institution, which must be located in Massachusetts. Early stage companies are defined as companies that have raised less than $200,000 in equity financings (grants can be unlimited), have four or fewer employees and have been incorporated for less than 18 months at the time of the application submission.

The first deadline for applicants is March 14, 2012. 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 or (774) 455-7278.
 

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the New England Clean Energy Council (Council) today announced the launch of the 2012 Massachusetts Clean Energy Internship Program, which connect students throughout the Commonwealth to paid internships at Massachusetts-based clean energy companies.

“I am pleased to announce the second year of an exciting program that will help develop a generation of passionate leaders who will contribute to the Commonwealth’s clean energy industry and further the Patrick-Murray Administration’s goals for an energy efficient future,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., who chairs the MassCEC board of directors.

Last year the Massachusetts Clean Energy Internship Program facilitated the placement of more than 117 students and recent graduates in summer internships at 70 clean energy companies across the state. As a result of the internship program, 20 students gained full time and part time employment, and more than 70 students are being considered for future employment. This program continues MassCEC’s commitment to supporting education and training opportunities that align with the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals and industry growth, while furthering the career goals of those considering career opportunities in clean energy.

Massachusetts-based clean energy companies that are looking to hire summer interns will be eligible for two interns, and receive internship stipends of up to $12 per hour, or a total of $4,800 for up to ten weeks for each intern. In addition to compensation, interns will gain meaningful employment experience such as networking opportunities, mentoring, and industry knowledge only gained from working within clean energy companies.

“This program helps local clean energy companies foster the Commonwealth’s dedicated workforce and student population,” said MassCEC Chief Executive Officer Patrick Cloney. “This program will help clean energy companies take advantage of that asset and enhance their talent pipleline, while training the next generation to be part of our clean energy future.”

“From brand new startups to established industry leaders, Massachusetts clean energy companies can offer students a wide variety of professional experiences,” said NECEC President Peter Rothstein. “This program will help prepare the next generation of clean energy leaders and continue to accelerate the Commonwealth’s clean energy economy”

Starting today, students will be able to post resumes and cover letters at ma.cleanenergyeducation.org. Clean energy companies will review applications in which they are interested and that meet the company’s internship needs. Companies will contact applicants directly for interviews.  There is no deadline for applications, but students are strongly encouraged to submit resumes and cover letters as soon as possible. Stipends will be committed to eligible clean energy companies on a first come-first serve basis as summer internship offers are made to suitable candidates.

7AC Technologies Inc., Woburn, MA, announces the completion of a $2.3M Series-A investment round led by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC).
“We are delighted to announce this significant investment milestone which adds MassCEC to our existing investors CEVG and 1and12 Ventures” said Peter Vandermeulen, CEO and Founder of 7AC Technologies. “MassCEC’s involvement signals a strong vote of confidence in our technology and will enable us to execute the next phase of our commercialization plans which includes our first rooftop installations in the summer of 2012.”
“7AC is one of nearly 5,000 clean energy companies that make up the Commonwealth’s vibrant and growing clean energy sector,” said MassCEC Chief Executive Officer Patrick Cloney. “Through these early-stage investments in the development and commercialization of clean energy and energy efficiency technologies, MassCEC can help high-potential clean energy companies establish themselves in Massachusetts, which in turn attracts and retains critical talent, while bringing in other clean energy companies that are essential to the growth of Massachusetts’ clean energy cluster.”
“7AC Technologies epitomizes the type of innovative CleanTech startups that have made Massachusetts their home” said Arif Padaria, the Managing Director of Investments at theMassCEC.  “Having observed firsthand the impressive progress that 7AC has made towards bringing their highly disruptive technology to market we are delighted to be the lead investors in their Series-A round. Our participation will enable 7AC to grow their business and tap into the broad  talent pool of people and suppliers that exists here in Massachusetts.”

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced that the Commonwealth Organics-to-Energy program began accepting applications for construction projects and pilot projects that employ anaerobic digestion and other technologies that convert source-separated organic wastes into electricity or thermal energy.

“These unique investments in clean energy are part of a larger menu of projects designed to stabilize energy costs, cut greenhouse gasses and protect the environment, we urge public and private organizations to take advantage of this important program,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr.

“This program will continue our effort to generate more megawatts of clean, renewable energy in the Commonwealth, while educating communities and businesses about the benefits of organics-to-energy technologies,” said MassCEC Chief Executive Officer Patrick Cloney.

Commonwealth Organics-to-Energy offers a variety of funding opportunities aimed at helping the state divert source-separated organic wastes from disposal and into the generation of electricity or thermal energy. The grant opportunities announced today will allow private or public sector entities develop facilities that convert their organic wastes to energy while increasing awareness of organics-to-energy systems in the Commonwealth.  The program currently offers grants to public entities to assist in the planning for and review of organics-to-energy projects.

Commonwealth Organics-to-Energy targets technologies that convert organic materials such as pre- or post-consumer food waste, yard waste, and cow manure into electricity or useful heat by means other than direct combustion.  A prime example of an organics-to-energy technology is anaerobic digestion, in which microorganisms break down organic material in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas. The biogas, which contains a high percentage of methane, can then be used to generate heat or electricity. Depending on the type of system, additional useful outputs may be produced, such as liquid fertilizer or compost.  Beyond the diversion of organic waste from landfills or incinerators and the generation of renewable energy, the benefits of organics-to-energy facilities can include reduced water pollution, reduced burden on sewage treatment plants, reduced odors, displacement of fossil fuels, and manufacture of materials that can be improve soil health or productivity.

Commonwealth Organics-to-Energy supports the state’s effort to divert at least 35 percent of food waste from disposal by 2020, which would result in more than 350,000 tons of materials per year diverted from targeted businesses and institutional sectors, such as food processors, large institutions, hotels and convention centers.

For more information about opportunities through Commonwealth Organics-to-Energy visit: www.MassCEC.com/technology/organics-to-energy

As part of the effort to reach Governor Patrick's goal of 250 megawatts (MW) of solar power installed by 2017, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. today announced the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) selected 17 communities to participate in the 2012 Solarize Massachusetts (Solarize Mass) Program, which helps residents and business owners adopt solar photovoltaic (PV) technology.

“This month we reached 100 megawatts of installed solar, which is being used in 331 cities and towns across the state,” said Secretary Sullivan. “This program will help us achieve our renewable energy goals even faster, bring local clean energy jobs to our communities and stabilize our energy costs.”

Solarize Mass is a program that encourages the adoption of small scale solar PV by deploying a coordinated education, marketing and outreach effort, combined with a tiered pricing structure that provides increased savings as more people in the community go solar.

MassCEC, in partnership with the DOER’s Green Communities Division has selected the cities and towns of Acton, Arlington, Boston, Hopkinton, Melrose, Mendon, Millbury, Montague, Newburyport, Palmer, Pittsfield, Lenox, Shirley, Sutton, Wayland, Sudbury and Lincoln, to participate in Solarize Mass.

“By combining education and grassroots marketing with tiered pricing of solar PV Solarize Mass was able to help 162 residents go solar in 2011,” said MassCEC Chief Executive Officer Patrick Cloney.  “By extending this program to 17 communities, we are confident that we can help more people in the Commonwealth use solar energy to help manage their energy costs and create a cleaner energy future.”

“These communities are leading the way in clean energy adoption and we’re pleased to honor them today for their effort to take their energy future into their own hands by investing in local sources of energy,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia.

Through Solarize Mass, MassCEC will provide education and marketing support to help the 17 communities implement a community-wide solar PV program for small-scale solar projects. MassCEC will provide technical support and host free educational meetings in the pilot communities to educate people about the benefits of installing solar and to drive interest in implementing the technology. MassCEC will also issue Request for Proposals (RFP) from solar integrators for bulk purchasing business models in which solar installation costs are based on a tiered structure that provide lower costs with increased capacity of solar installed within the community.
“I am thrilled that Pittsfield and Lenox were selected to participate in the 2012 Solarize Massachusetts program,” said Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “This program will help spread the use of clean energy and reduce these communities’ dependence on fossil fuels, in the most cost effective way.” 

For more information about Solarize Mass visit www.SolarizeMass.com.

As a result of the Commonwealth Solar rebate programs launched in 2008, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for solar on water treatment facilities and other public buildings, and Solarize Mass, the state has seen a nearly 30-fold increase in solar PV installations since 2007. Currently, there are more than 100 MW of solar energy installed in Massachusetts, and an additional 40 MW under contract for installation, up from 3.5 MW when Governor Patrick took office.

Massachusetts lies at the end of the energy pipeline – lacking indigenous supplies of coal, natural gas, and oil. As a result, we have some of the highest energy costs in the nation. Of the $22 billion Massachusetts spends annually to buy the energy that runs our power plants, buildings and vehicles, 80 percent flows out of state to purchase coal from Colombia, oil from Venezuela, and natural gas and oil from the Middle East and Canada. That’s nearly $18 billion in lost economic opportunity that Massachusetts is reclaiming through investments in home-grown renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Programs like this one and others that stem from the Green Communities Act of 2008 have helped grow the state’s clean energy economy. These policies cut energy costs, protect our environment and create jobs. We’re cultivating a clean energy economy that’s grown by 6.7 percent to employ 64,000 clean energy workers in Massachusetts.

This week, Kim and Mark Reichelt of Wayland became the first residents to contract for a solar PV installation at their home through this year’s Solarize Massachusetts program.
"We are very excited to be installing solar panels on our home.  We looked into doing it a few years ago, but since then there have been significant improvements in both the price and the technology,” said Ms. Reichelt.  “With the discounts from the Solarize program, the installation makes financial sense.  Even with all our trees, our installation is going to pay for itself in about seven years.  I hope to see solar panels going up all over town!"

Solarize Mass, which is a partnership among the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Green Communities Division of the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) encourages the adoption of small scale solar PV by deploying a coordinated education, marketing and outreach effort, combined with a tiered pricing structure that provides increased savings as more people in the community go solar.  MassCEC provides technical support and hosts free educational meetings in the participating communities to educate people about the benefits of installing solar and to drive interest in implementing the technology. 

MassCEC and DOER launched Solarize Mass last year with a pilot program targeting four DOER-designated Green Communities: Hatfield, Harvard, Scituate and Winchester. The program led to 162 new contracts, representing 829 kW of new solar power, signed by residents and business owners. Seventeen additional Green Communities - Acton, Arlington, Boston, Hopkinton, Melrose, Mendon, Millbury, Montague, Newburyport, Palmer, Pittsfield, Lenox, Shirley, Sutton, Wayland, Sudbury and Lincoln – were selected in April to participate in phase two of the program, which runs through September.  

“Solarize Massachusetts is an important part of our effort to move beyond energy reform, to energy revolution,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan.

“This contract symbolizes electricity generated in Massachusetts without any emissions, and represents jobs for people hired in Massachusetts to sell, install, and maintain solar PV systems in Massachusetts,” said Patrick Cloney, Chief Executive Officer of MassCEC.  “We look forward to seeing many more projects in the coming months.”

Astrum Solar was selected by a committee of local volunteers, with input from state officials, to serve as the designated installer for Wayland, Sudbury and Lincoln, and is working in close contact with volunteer solar coaches in each of those towns.

“This program rewards neighbors who join together to make a commitment to a renewable, home-grown, and environmentally-friendly source of energy,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “I am pleased we are able to offer this opportunity to designated Green Communities that are already leading the way toward a clean energy future for our state.”

"We are pleased to take part in this important initiative as we continue to serve Massachusetts homeowners through our Hopkinton office," said Michelle Waldgeir, Astrum Solar's vice president of marketing. "The Solarize Mass program will be instrumental in helping more Wayland, Lincoln and Sudbury residents transition from traditional energy consumers to clean energy producers."