Innovator

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center (MTTC) today announced seven awardees will receive grants under the MassCEC Catalyst Program, aimed at commercializing the pioneering clean energy technologies coming out of Massachusetts’ world-class research institutions and now also startups based in Massachusetts. The seven awards will go to four Massachusetts-based startups and three Massachusetts institutions and total $250,000.

“I am thrilled that we have opened our application process to early stage startups and was happy to hear that this round we had such a high number of applicants,” said MassCEC Executive Director Patrick Cloney. “We received numerous impressive applications in the fifth round of this program and we look forward to adapting our program to keep it current with market needs.”

The MassCEC Catalyst Program, which is funded by MassCEC and managed by MTTC, awards early-stage researchers and startups grant awards of up to $40,000 to help demonstrate the commercial viability of their clean energy technology.  The MassCEC Catalyst Program funding is part of the state’s match to the Department of Commerce funded Cleantech Innovations New England (CINE) program.

Recipients must use funding for projects that move towards commercialization of their technology. Awards could be used to develop a prototype or to gather initial data in order to show proof of concept or to obtain data that shows how the technology compares to existing technologies and what the competitive advantages are. The goal of the Catalyst Program is to help technologies progress along the development curve to a point where additional commercialization funding can be obtained.

“We have had two technologies licensed and five startups spun out from previous awards we have given out,” said Abigail Barrow, Director of the MTTC, “We’re looking forward to seeing these new companies grow alongside our previous awardees.”

“Massachusetts’ vibrant start-up community and outstanding academic and research institutions – and the innovations they produce - are integral to the growth of our clean energy sector,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan. “MassCEC’s Catalyst Program provides a leg up toward commercialization of these technologies, and the inclusion of early-stage companies will create even more healthy competition for these awards. I look forward to seeing the results from this round of awardees.”

MassCEC Catalyst Program received 37 applications from startups and researchers throughout the state. The fifth round of awards in this program goes to the following researchers:

Yan Wang, Ph.D., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Diran Apelian, Sc.D., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

“High Energy Density Flow Batteries”

MassCEC Catalyst Program funding will support researchers develop a new type of Ni/Zn flow battery with high energy density, high power density, long cycle life, low cost and high safety. This technology will help address the increasing energy storage needs for grid storage and renewable energy. The researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute will use the grant to develop a prototype device of the technology for interested parties.

Roberto Barbero, Ph.D.; Joseph Walish, Ph.D.; Thermeleon, Inc.

“Low-Cost, Smart Roofing Materials for Year-Round Energy Savings”

Thermeleon is developing a color-changing roof that is white on hot days to reflect unwanted heat and black on cold days to absorb it. The funds provided by this award will enable us to continue development of our prototype design of exciting new color-changing membrane roofing product.

Gillian Isabelle, Ph.D.; Enlivity Corporation

“Technical and Economic Feasibility of a Low Energy- and Water-Intensity Algal Bioreactor"

Enlivity Corporation is developing a new platform technology for algae culture with applications in biodiesel fuel production. The MassCEC Catalyst award will permit assess to the technical and economic feasibility of a novel bioreactor design and culture process. If successful, the technology has the potential to dramatically reduce the water required for algae culture and the energy required for the downstream harvesting and dewatering, providing a process that is more easily scalable and more cost-effective than current methods.

Kenneth Y. Lee, Ph.D., PE.; Department of Civil Engineering; Western New England University

“Developing Premium Grade Pellets from Coffee Husk for Residential Heating Applications”

Our technology is a process of turning coffee husk waste into sustainable bio-pellets for home heating applications by significantly reducing the ash content of the pellets to levels superior to currently available wood pellets.  The award money will help advance the technology and to develop a business model for entrepreneurial opportunities.  

Malay K. Mazumder, Ph.D.; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Mark N. Horenstein, Ph.D.; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; N. Joglekar, Ph.D.; School of Management; Boston University

“Development of Prototype Self-Cleaning Solar Panels for Commercialization”

Large-scale solar panels, installed in vast areas of land such as in Mojave Desert, where sunshine is available 12/7 almost throughout the year, can provide all the electricity we need in the US and more. These sunniest areas are also the dustiest: dust on panels can cause 20% or more loss in energy yield and revenue. The MassCEC grant will enable us to build and demonstrate prototype self-cleaning solar panels, a technology developed at BU that can keep the panels clean at a very little cost without water or manual labor, to potential investors, solar farms, and solar panel manufacturers for commercialization.

Roger Faulkner; Ballistic Breaker Corporation

“Demonstration of Ballistic Breaker™ for 1200 volt, 1200 amp service”

DC circuit breakers are critical enabling technology for DC microgrids. The Ballistic Breaker™ is very fast compared to existing mechanical DC circuit breakers, and has lower cost than power electronic breakers. The special properties offered by the Ballistic Breaker™ are highly desirable for protection of high power motor controls. Faulkner will use the MassCEC funds by working with two MA firms to finalize the design and testing of a prototype.

Deepak Dugar, Ph.D.; Visolis, Inc.

“Cost Competitive Clean Chemicals Via Synthetic Biology”

Visolis, Inc. is an industrial biotechnology company developing the next generation of biocatalysts that can convert renewable feedstocks into chemicals and fuels at a price point competitive with petroleum based processes. With support of the catalyst program, Visolis intends to conduct proof of concept studies to demonstrate commercial viability of our biocatalysts.

MassCEC is pleased to provide the following program update for the Commonwealth Solar II Rebate Program. As of noon today, June 22, 2012, Block 10 of the Commonwealth Solar II Rebate Program is still open, with $165,116 remaining. Block 10 will remain open until all available funds are reserved or until June 30, 2012 (end of the second calendar quarter), whichever comes first. Block 11 of the Commonwealth Solar II Rebate Program is currently scheduled to launch at 3:00 PM EST on Monday, July 9, 2012.
The Commonwealth Solar II Rebate Program helps finance the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for residential, non-profit, public, and commercial projects up to 15kW in capacity. Block 11 will consist of $1.5 million and will last until the funds are expended or until the end of the third quarter 2012, whichever is earlier. Quarterly blocks of funding are available for customers of investor owned utilities or Municipal Light Plants that have opted into MassCEC's Renewable Energy Trust.
Please see below for a summary of important program updates. Please note: Full details about all program changes cannot be captured in this email, so please read the program documents carefully!
Block 11 & 12 Rebate Levels (Capacity Measured in DC @ STC)

• Rebate levels will remain the same for Block 11 and Block 12.
• Base Incentive: $0.40/watt
• Massachusetts Company Components Adder: $0.05/watt
• Moderate Home Value Adder/Moderate Income Adder: $0.40/watt
• Natural Disaster Relief Adder: $1.00/watt
   

Program Changes for Block 11

• Qualification for the Moderate Income Adder will be based on an individual's or domestic household's 2011 tax return.
• Installers must submit Version 11 of the Application record.  Expedited Installers will continue to upload documentation in PowerClerk. Non-Expedited Installers will continue to email application documents to cs@masscec.com per the instructions in the Program Manual.
• Effective immediately, all project completion deadlines will be extended to one year from the date of approval (the date that the Notice of Award is issued).
• MassCEC incurs a significant financial penalty for incorrect information listed on W-9s.  Please make sure to work with System Owners to have these forms written clearly and accurately.  When submitting W-9s to MassCEC via email, please submit them to finance@masscec.com without copying other MassCEC staff.
• The Natural Disaster Relief Adder will be available for customers who have experienced damage from a natural disaster.  Please refer to the Program Manual for more detailed requirements.

Block 11 Program documents will be available at www.masscec.com/solar shortly before the launch of Block 11. Again, all changes cannot be captured in this email, so please read the program documents carefully!

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced a new $10 million multi-year program, Commonwealth Solar Hot Water, which will begin accepting applications in July 2012 and continue through 2016. The long-term program is designed to encourage the installation of solar hot water systems at residences and businesses across the Commonwealth.
“This program represents a significant long-term investment that will accelerate the growth of Massachusetts’ solar hot water industry by providing a stable form of funding assistance to residents and companies looking to utilize the sun’s power and save money on energy bills,” said MassCEC Chief Executive Officer Patrick Cloney.
The program will build on the success of two pilot solar hot water programs, which have awarded rebates for 300 residential and commercial-scale systems since February 2011. Similar to the pilot programs, the new Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Program will offer rebates for qualifying solar hot water projects at residential, multi-family and commercial-scale buildings.
“This new solar hot water program will create jobs at solar hot water manufacturing and installation companies, while helping Massachusetts residents and businesses decrease their heating costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rick Sullivan, who chairs the MassCEC Board of Directors.
Solar hot water systems generate thermal energy from sunlight to heat water. Roof mounted solar collectors for hot water systems look similar to solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, which generate electricity rather than hot water.  A solar hot water system usually provides 50 percent to 75 percent of total household hot water needs. Some systems can also connect with the heating system to provide space heating.  Since roughly 20 percent of the energy consumed by a typical home in Massachusetts 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.
Program funding will be distributed over 4.5 years, through the end of 2016. The first year of the Commonwealth Solar Hot Water program will be funded with $1.5 million from MassCEC’s Renewable Energy Trust Fund.
To date, the completed projects that MassCEC has funded through the Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Residential and Commercial Pilot Programs total almost 15,000 square feet of solar collectors, and produce energy equivalent to the total annual hot water needs of 140 homes.  A total of 55 primary installers have successfully submitted an application through the program.
To find out more about solar hot water, see www.masscec.com/aboutsolar .  Program information for MassCEC’s existing hot water pilot programs is available www.masscec.com/solarhotwater.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is pleased to announce that the Green Communities of Lincoln, Sudbury and Wayland, who are participating in Solarize Mass as a group, have reached the threshold of contracted projects that guarantees the lowest pricing available, with two months left to go before the deadline.  The Solarize Mass program offers a tiered pricing structure that provides increasing discounts as more people participate. These three towns now have contracts for 53 separate systems, representing 484 kW of new capacity, which allows all customers to receive Tier 5 pricing.  For Lincoln, Sudbury, and Wayland, Tier 5 pricing is $3.70/watt, which is 30 percent lower than the average installed cost for small PV systems in the Commonwealth.
“Solarize Massachusetts is producing direct benefits for homeowners and small businesses who are locking in favorable electricity rates for decades to come, and creating jobs for the people who are helping them do it,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan.

Astrum Solar, whose Massachusetts operations are based in nearby Hopkinton, was selected by a committee of local volunteers and municipal officials, with input from state officials, to serve as the designated installer for Lincoln, Sudbury, and Wayland. Astrum Solar works in close contact with volunteer “solar coaches” in each of those towns.   The community solar coach plays a critical role in engaging the community and spurring participation in the Solarize Massachusetts program throughout the summer. The Community Solar Coaches for Lincoln, Sudbury, and Wayland are Jennie Morris, Rami Alwan, and Kaat Vander Straeten, respectively.

“Solarize Mass has proven to be an effective catalyst for increasing the amount of solar PV in the Commonwealth, generating power without any emissions, and creating jobs for people in Massachusetts,” said Eric Macaux, Senior Director of Strategy and Legal Affairs of MassCEC.  “I applaud Lincoln, Sudbury, and Wayland for reaching Tier 5 pricing, and look forward to seeing many more Solarize communities maximize the savings available to them in the Solarize Mass program in the coming months.”

"There are many reasons why I am so excited about the prospect of seeing so much solar in our towns,” said Kaat Vander Straeten, the Wayland Community Solar Coach. “Aside from the environmental benefits, which are substantial, there is also the advantage of greater resilience: a pool of small, local, independent producers of electricity is a lot more resilient than one big, centralized power plant relying on imported fuels. Moreover, people who become producers also become more aware of how much they consume and of the many impacts of their consumption. Hopefully our towns can become models and this new energy landscape won't be extraordinary for long."

Solarize Mass, which is a partnership among the 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 as a pilot program in four Green Communities, leading to 162 new contracts signed. Seventeen 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. 

For more information about Solarize Mass, visit www.SolarizeMass.com and follow the twitter hash tag #SolarizeMass.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC)  is pleased to announce that the Green Communities of Pittsfield and Lenox, who are participating in Solarize Mass as a group, have reached the threshold of contracted projects to reach Tier 3 of pricing, with two months left to go before the deadline.  The Solarize Mass program offers a tiered pricing structure that provides increasing discounts as more people participate. These two towns now have contracts for 8 separate systems, representing 54.25 kW of new capacity, which allows all customers to receive Tier 3 pricing.  For Pittsfield and Lenox, Tier 3 pricing is $3.90/watt, which is 20 percent lower than the average installed cost for small PV systems in the Commonwealth.
“Solarize Massachusetts is producing direct benefits for homeowners and small businesses who are locking in favorable electricity rates for decades to come, and creating jobs for the people who are helping them do it,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan.

Astrum Solar, whose Massachusetts operations are based in Hopkinton, was selected by a committee of local volunteers and municipal officials, with input from state officials, to serve as the designated installer for Pittsfield and Lenox. Astrum works in close contact with volunteer “solar coaches” in each of those towns.   The community solar coach plays a critical role in engaging the community and spurring participation in the Solarize Massachusetts program throughout the summer. The Community Solar Coaches for Pittsfield and Lenox are Nate Joyner and Susan May, respectively. The Municipal Representatives for the program are Pittsfield Parks and Open Space Manager Jim McGrath, and Lenox Sustainability Coordinator Adele Gravitz.

"I am thrilled to see such an enthusiastic response from the people of Pittsfield," said Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier. "Solarize Mass is a great program that will make a real difference in greening our community while saving our residents real dollars."

“Solarize Mass has proven to be an effective catalyst for increasing the amount of solar PV in the Commonwealth, generating power without any emissions, and creating jobs for people in Massachusetts,” said Eric Macaux, Senior Director of Strategy and Legal Affairs of MassCEC.  “I applaud Pittsfield and Lenox for reaching Tier 3 pricing, and look forward to seeing many more Solarize communities maximize the savings available to them in the Solarize Mass program in the coming months.”

"The Pittsfield team is very excited about reaching Tier 3 and said Nate Joyner, the Pittsfield Community Solar Coach. “We want to take this opportunity to encourage Pittsfield and Lenox residents to talk to their friends and neighbors to get our community to that Tier 5 pricing by September.  We feel that reaching Tier 3 so quickly is a testament to the interest and enthusiasm Solarize is generating in Pittsfield and Lenox and we look forward to sharing this opportunity with everyone in our community interested in solar.

Solarize Mass, which is a partnership among the 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 as a pilot program in four Green Communities, leading to 162 new contracts signed. Seventeen 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. 

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced Massachusetts’ clean energy economy grew by 11.2 percent from July 2011 to July 2012. According to the 2012 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report released today the growing sector now employs 71,523 people at 4,995 clean energy firms across Massachusetts.

"I have said from the beginning of this Administration that, if we get clean energy right, the world will be our customer. This past year’s 11.2 percent increase in clean energy jobs means that we are getting it right and the world knows it,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “Investing in our nation-leading clean energy agenda is the right thing to do for our environment, our energy independence, our public health and our economic vitality. We owe it to our future to keep this momentum going strong.”

“The clean energy revolution is taking hold and creating local jobs,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan, who chairs the MassCEC Board of Directors. “Through Governor Patrick’s vision and supported by MassCEC’s innovative programs, the Commonwealth’s clean energy economy is growing rapidly, despite a tough economic environment across the nation.”

“Our innovation economy, including the clean energy sector, has been one of the drivers of our economic recovery and through our long-term economic development plan the Patrick-Murray Administration is committed to continuing that growth,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Greg Bialecki. “This report shows that our clean energy sector is growing and providing good jobs throughout the Commonwealth, and that there is room in the future for more growth in this innovative industry.”

According to the report, 71,523 people are directly involved in work related to the state’s clean energy sector, an increase of 11.2 percent over 2011. This growth outpaced the overall economy nearly ten times over, and it’s expected to continue. Employers surveyed are optimistic about the coming year and expect to hire more workers in 2013. Clean energy continues to maintain its place as one of the Commonwealth’s marquee industries, with 1.7 percent of the total Massachusetts workforce.

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.

“This report is proof that Massachusetts’ innovation economy is succeeding,” said incoming MassCEC Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Alicia Barton McDevitt, who begins her term on August 20. “The report affirms Massachusetts’ role as a national and global leader in clean energy development and deployment, and a success made possible by our talented workforce, world-class academic and research institutions, and Governor Patrick's vision for a clean energy future in Massachusetts.”

For the purposes of the report, a clean energy firm is defined as an employer engaged in whole or in part in providing goods and services related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, alternative transportation, and carbon management. Clean energy workers are defined as spending at least a portion of their time supporting the clean energy aspects of their businesses.

The 2012 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.

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.

In total, researchers made more than 16,000 telephone calls and sent more than 5,200 emails to employers, yielding 930 survey responses with a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.

“This study illustrates just how strong and diverse the clean energy economy is in Massachusetts,” said BW Research Vice President Phil Jordan. “Compared to other regions that we have studied, the rare mix of world-class educational institutions, venture capital, entrepreneurial small businesses, supportive government policies, and an eager and educated consumer base make this a state home to one of the strongest and most exciting clean energy sectors in the nation.

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt today announced that residents and businesses in the city of Boston qualify for lower solar energy rates than rates for traditional sources of energy under the Solarize Massachusetts Program (Solarize Mass). 

Ms. Barton McDevitt made the announcement during a celebration of a new solar project installation at Dry Dock Plaza Park in Boston. As a result of the city of Boston’s participation in Solarize Mass, the average Boston participant who enters into a contract to buy solar electricity will now pay 11 cents per kilowatt hour, compared to the statewide price of 15 cents per kilowatt hour for traditional energy sources, which can be a mix of coal-fired, nuclear or natural gas generation.

Residents and businesses have until September 30 to participate in the bulk buying program, which would secure further price reductions as more participants sign up.

“A national model, this group pricing program locks in electricity prices and rates, and creates a network of locally-grown energy sources while creating local jobs,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan, who also serves as chairman of the MassCEC Board of Directors. “We applaud the city of Boston for its leadership in clean energy adoption.”

“I encourage everyone to join the clean energy revolution in Boston,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who announced he plans to install solar panels on his home. “Solar power is now more affordable than ever in the City. It’s being installed on residences, businesses and municipal buildings at an increasing rate, and we are on the way to meeting our 2015 goal of 25 megawatts of solar energy in Boston.”

Under the leadership of Governor Deval Patrick, Massachusetts set a goal of achieving 250 megawatts of solar by 2017. As a result of the Solarize Mass program and other incentives, the state is more than halfway to its goal – with 129 megawatts of solar installed to date – the equivalent of powering more than 20,000 homes and eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from 13,870 cars per year.

“I hope Boston’s renewable energy leadership will inspire residents in this community and beyond to take advantage of this program that not only cuts energy costs, but creates local jobs,” said MassCEC CEO and Executive Director Alicia Barton McDevitt.

To date, a number of residents and businesses in Boston have banded together to participate in the program, contracting 18 solar systems for a total capacity of 89 kilowatts (kW).

Solarize Mass, which is available in 17 Massachusetts communities including Boston, offers five tiers of discounted pricing based on the total solar capacity contracted under the program. As more residents and businesses contract for solar, the price for solar energy drops. Solarize Mass is administered by MassCEC and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).

“This is a bright day for Boston residents and businesses, as well as for the Menino family,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “Solarize Mass and the 103 Green Communities are helping spread solar power across the 339 of 351 communities that now have at least one state-supported solar electricity project.”

The average Massachusetts household uses 667 kilowatt hours per month, equivalent to an average $100 monthly bill for traditional energy sources. By installing a solar electric system, Boston homeowners entered into contracts to purchase solar would pay $73 with locked in pricing that hedges against potential future electricity price increases.

If a Boston participant wants to purchase a solar electric system under the program, the price for a 5 kW system (the average size for a home) is currently $21,000, rather than the state average at the beginning of the program of over $26,000.

A combination of federal and state incentive programs like Solarize Mass cover the costs of the investment over the lifespan of a solar installation. Under the current pricing, business and homeowners that purchase a 5 kW system could save $7,300 through federal and state tax credits and up to $4,250 in MassCEC rebates. The remainder of the costs would be recovered within approximately five years.

A committee of Boston volunteers and municipal officials selected a designated installer, Marlborough-based SolarCity.

Other solar installation incentives
To offset the cost of installing solar panels, residents and businesses are eligible for a combination of renewable energy incentives including a federal tax incentive of 30 percent and a state tax incentive of 15 percent of the total installation cost, up to $1,000. MassCEC also provides solar rebates through its Commonwealth Solar II Program. Solar projects are also eligible for no and low money down programs through solar installation companies.

Solar energy systems provide residents and businesses with two possible income streams. First is net metering, which allows residents and businesses to deposit any excess energy they generate as a credit into their utility account. The utility, much like a bank, would house credits that can be drawn down against existing or future energy costs. Second, there is an opportunity – under the Solar Renewable Energy Certificate Program (SREC) – for utilities to pay homeowners and business for the solar power they generate.

NOTE: The program information associated with this announcement has been updated.  For updated information, view the latest release.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced a new $1 million program to further the development of clean energy technology in Massachusetts.

Under the program, MassCEC will offer between $100,000 and $300,000 for projects designed to address energy challenges facing the Commonwealth – such as renewable energy optimization, fuel efficient vehicles or energy storage – and will require a 50 percent in matching funds. MassCEC will award the funds to help companies finance demonstration projects, which test and showcase new technologies in preparation to commercialize technologies for the marketplace.

“Massachusetts companies are creating some of the most leading-edge clean energy technologies. Our support will help them create local jobs across the state and expand the adoption of clean energy,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan.

“Helping our emerging companies bring new technologies to market is at the core of our mission to grow the Massachusetts clean energy economy,” said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton-McDevitt. “Our investments in workforce development, incentives and commercialization are producing results including double-digit clean energy job growth in Massachusetts over the past year.”

Under the Patrick-Murray Administration's leadership, the Massachusetts’ clean energy economy grew by 11.2 percent from July 2011 to July 2012, according to the 2012 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report, which shows the growing sector employs 71,523 people at 4,995 clean energy firms across the Commonwealth.

MassCEC will unveil the program details at the Global Clean Tech Meet-up set for October 15 through 18 in Boston and Cambridge. The Global Clean Tech Meet-up – an event sponsored by MassCEC, the Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center (MTTC), the New England Clean Energy Council and the Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems – is expected to draw 500 attendees from around the world including representatives from France, Japan, Israel, Canada, and Mexico.

The development of clean energy technologies requires a successful demonstration and validation of the technology in order to make it investable and ready for mass production.

With the idea of benefiting a large cross-section of the Massachusetts clean energy sector, under this program MassCEC will give preference to projects that involve multiple companies, research institutions and energy consumers, relationships that could be forged at the Global Clean Tech Meet-up. Potential co-applicants can meet and propose strategic partnerships to respond to the RFP at the Global Clean Tech Meet-up.

MassCEC will issue the program details including the topic areas in a Request for Proposals on October 1. MassCEC will host topic area sessions at the Global Clean Tech Meet-up on October 16 and 17. The first deadline for proposals is November 5 with the final applications due February 4, 2013.

“As a former CEO of a Massachusetts clean energy technology company, I know how important the demonstration phase of product development is and this funding opportunity fills a much-needed gap for early-stage companies,” said Mitch Tyson, Meet-up Executive Committee Member and Board Chair of the New England Clean Energy Council.

“The Global Cleantech Meet-up is the Commonwealth’s premier clean energy event that brings companies from all around the world to hear from and meet with the inspiring and leading voices of our clean energy ecosystem. I’m looking forward to seeing the business results of the connections made at the conference,” said Abigail Barrow, co-chair of the Meet-up and Founding Director of the MTTC.

“I applaud the MassCEC for their leadership in helping to build the energy industry in Massachusetts. This innovative funding program is a powerful way for energy companies to deploy and demonstrate their products and we look forward to seeing this program grow.  FastCAP Systems is a supportive participant in the Summit and this initiative has made our participation even more relevant this year,” said Riccardo Signorelli, CEO of FastCAP Systems.

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt today announced Acton residents and businesses qualify for lower solar energy rates than rates for traditional sources of energy under the Solarize Massachusetts Program (Solarize Mass).
As a result of Solarize Mass, the average Acton participant who enters into a contract to buy solar electricity will now pay an average of 8 cents per kilowatt hour. This rate is lower than the average statewide price of 15 cents per kilowatt hour for traditional energy sources, which are a mix of coal-fired, nuclear or natural gas generation.
Residents and businesses have until September 30 to participate in the bulk buying program, which would secure further price reductions as more participants sign up.
“I hope Acton’s renewable energy leadership will inspire residents in this community and beyond to take advantage of this program that not only cuts energy costs, but creates local jobs,” said MassCEC CEO and Executive Director Alicia Barton McDevitt.
Under the leadership of Governor Deval Patrick, Massachusetts set a goal of achieving 250 megawatts of solar by 2017. As a result of the Solarize Mass program and other incentives, the state is more than halfway to its goal – with 143 megawatts of solar installed to date.
To date, a number of residents and businesses in Acton have banded together to participate in the program, contracting 13 solar systems for a total capacity of 75.6 kilowatts (kW).
Solarize Mass, which is available in 17 Massachusetts communities including Acton, offers five tiers of discounted pricing based on the total solar capacity contracted under the program. As more residents and businesses contract for solar, the price for solar energy drops. Solarize Mass is administered by MassCEC and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).
“This is a bright day for Acton residents and businesses,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “Solarize Mass and the 103 Green Communities are helping spread solar power across the 340 of 351 communities that now have at least one state-supported solar electricity project.”
The average Massachusetts household uses 667 kilowatt hours per month, equivalent to an average $100 monthly bill for traditional energy sources. By installing a solar electric system under the Solarize program, Melrose homeowners entered into contracts to purchase solar would pay $56, with the price dropping if more people sign up for the program before the deadline.
“The Solarize Mass program has brought together the tools and resources needed to make solar power viable for many in our community,” said Acton Solar Coach Chris Schaffner. “Once residents understand their options, they can't wait to sign up. The enthusiasm is tremendous.”
A committee of Acton volunteers and municipal officials selected a designated installer, New England Clean Energy, which is based in Hudson.

About Solarize Mass
Solarize Mass, which is a partnership between the MassCEC and DOER’s Green Communities Division, encourages the adoption of small scale solar projects. The program is available to 17 Massachusetts Green Communities, which were designated by DOER after those communities committed to reducing municipal energy use by 20 percent. The communities are Acton, Arlington, Boston, Hopkinton, Melrose, Mendon, Millbury, Montague, Newburyport, Palmer, Pittsfield, Lenox, Shirley, Sutton, Wayland, Sudbury and Lincoln. Follow the Twitter hash tag #SolarizeMass for more information.

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt today announced Melrose residents and businesses qualify for lower solar energy rates than rates for traditional sources of energy under the Solarize Massachusetts Program (Solarize Mass).
As a result of Solarize Mass, the average Melrose participant who enters into a contract to buy solar electricity will now pay an average of 11 cents per kilowatt hour. This rate is lower than the average statewide price of 15 cents per kilowatt hour for traditional energy sources, which are a mix of coal-fired, nuclear or natural gas generation.
Residents and businesses have until September 30 to participate in the bulk buying program, which would secure further price reductions as more participants sign up.
“I hope Melrose’s renewable energy leadership will inspire residents in this community and beyond to take advantage of this program that not only cuts energy costs, but creates local jobs,” said MassCEC CEO and Executive Director Alicia Barton McDevitt.
Under the leadership of Governor Deval Patrick, Massachusetts set a goal of achieving 250 megawatts of solar by 2017. As a result of the Solarize Mass program and other incentives, the state is more than halfway to its goal – with 143 megawatts of solar installed to date.
To date, a number of residents and businesses in Melrose have banded together to participate in the program, contracting 33 solar systems for a total capacity of 166.6 kilowatts (kW).
Solarize Mass, which is available in 17 Massachusetts communities including Melrose, offers five tiers of discounted pricing based on the total solar capacity contracted under the program. As more residents and businesses contract for solar, the price for solar energy drops. Solarize Mass is administered by MassCEC and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).
“This is a bright day for Melrose residents and businesses,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “Solarize Mass and the 103 Green Communities are helping spread solar power across the 340 of 351 communities that now have at least one state-supported solar electricity project.”
The average Massachusetts household uses 667 kilowatt hours per month, equivalent to an average $100 monthly bill for traditional energy sources. By installing a solar electric system under the Solarize program, Melrose homeowners entered into contracts to purchase solar would pay $73, with the price dropping if more people sign up for the program before the deadline.
A committee of Melrose volunteers and municipal officials selected a partnership between Boston-based Next Step Living and Roof Diagnostics, whose Massachusetts operation is based in Natick, to handle solar consultations and installations for the community.