Residential

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.

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt today announced Millbury and Sutton 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 Millbury and Sutton participant who enters into a contract to buy solar electricity will now pay an average of 5.5 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 purchasing program, which would secure further price reductions as more participants sign up.

“I hope Millbury and Sutton’s renewable energy leadership will inspire residents in these communities 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, the equivalent of powering 22,618 homes for a year.

To date, a number of residents and businesses in Millbury and Sutton have banded together to participate in the program, contracting 8 solar systems for a total capacity of 66.7 kilowatts (kW).

Solarize Mass, which is available in 17 Massachusetts communities including Millbury and Sutton, 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 Millbury and Sutton 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, Millbury and Sutton homeowners entered into contracts to purchase solar would pay $37, with the price dropping if more people sign up for the program before the deadline.

A committee of Millbury and Sutton volunteers and municipal officials selected a partnership between Hopedale-based Second Generation Energy.

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 Newburyport 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 Newburyport participant who enters into a contract to buy solar electricity will now pay an average of 12 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 purchasing program, which would secure further price reductions as more participants sign up.

“I hope Newburyport’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, the equivalent of powering 22,618 homes for a year.

To date, a number of residents and businesses in Newburyport have banded together to participate in the program, contracting 12 solar systems for a total capacity of 71 kilowatts (kW).

Solarize Mass, which is available in 17 Massachusetts communities including Newburyport, 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 Newburyport 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, Newburyport homeowners entered into contracts to purchase solar would pay $80, with the price dropping if more people sign up for the program before the deadline.

A committee of Newburyport volunteers and municipal officials selected a partnership between Somerville-based SunBug Solar.

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt today announced Arlington 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 Arlington participant who enters into a contract to buy solar electricity will now pay an average of 5.9 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 purchasing program, which would secure further price reductions as more participants sign up.

“I hope Arlington’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, the equivalent of powering 22,618 homes for a year.

To date, a number of residents and businesses in Arlington have banded together to participate in the program, contracting 16 solar systems for a total capacity of 74 kilowatts (kW).

Solarize Mass, which is available in 17 Massachusetts communities including Arlington, 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 Arlington 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, Arlington homeowners entered into contracts to purchase solar would pay $39, with the price dropping if more people sign up for the program before the deadline.

A committee of Arlington volunteers and municipal officials selected a partnership between Framingham-based SolarFlair.

ReBuild Western Massachusetts and local officials are reminding owners of homes and businesses damaged by last summer’s tornadoes that time is running out to take advantage of the program, which provides loans and grants to building owners for energy efficient upgrades. The deadline to register is October 1, 2012.
Since its launch last fall, the ReBuild Western Massachusetts program, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), has helped dozens of homeowners and businesses obtain grants and/or zero interest loans to repair, renovate or rebuild using smart energy approaches.
“This program demonstrates the Patrick-Murray Administration’s continued commitment to help these communities rebuild,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rick Sullivan. “With the deadline drawing near, we hope more homeowners and business owners take advantage of this great program to make their properties more energy efficient, saving them money in the long run and increasing their comfort.”
Eligible property owners in Hampden and Worcester Counties may apply for loans or grants to fund attic, wall, and basement insulation; high efficiency heating and hot water systems; Energy Star® replacement windows and doors; and solar electric and solar hot water systems.
“This program is a continuation of our commitment to the Western Massachusetts communities affected by the June 1 tornadoes,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “Helping people rebuild their homes and businesses using energy efficient methods cuts energy costs, saves people money, and creates local jobs.”
“Communities that invest in energy efficiency cut long-term energy costs while creating local jobs,” said MassCEC CEO and Executive Director Alicia Barton McDevitt. “This recovery is not just about rebuilding what there was before but using the opportunity to construct something better that uses less energy and saves money.”
Property owners who suffered storm damage have until October 1, 2012 to contact the program and begin the application process. The building improvements need to be complete by December 31, 2012 and final completed application, receipts and invoices must be submitted no later than January 31, 2013.
“The Rebuild Program offers funds to residents and business owners to make stronger and more efficient upgrades that will produce significant cost savings, while creating jobs for local vendors,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno.  
“Business owners are encouraged to apply for ReBuild funds that will create the opportunity to rebuild highly efficient systems to help the community achieve long-term sustainability,” said Jeff Ciufreda, President of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
Participants are eligible to apply if an insurance company, FEMA or other supporting state, local, and federal agencies has documented damage to their home or business. Interested applicants should go to www.mass.gov/energy/rebuildwesternma or call 877-524-1325 to make an appointment with an application and technical advisor.

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia today announced that the deadline of the Solarize Massachusetts Program (Solarize Mass) has been extended to Oct. 31, citing high demand for the solar bulk purchasing program.
The program was originally scheduled to end Sept. 30. The program, designed to increase the adoption of solar energy and reduce the cost of solar energy, offers residents and businesses long-term discounted solar pricing and lower prices than traditional sources of fossil fuel-based energy generation, which is also costly to the environment and public health.
Solarize Mass encourages the adoption of small scale solar PV systems by allowing residents and businesses to access a five-tiered, bulk purchasing program in their communities. As more people in a particular community contract for solar energy, the price drops for all involved.
“The adoption of clean, renewable energy is happening from the ground-up in communities across the state through this grassroots program,” said Commissioner Sylvia. “Together we are building a network of reliable, home-grown sources of energy and leaving a clean energy future for the next generation.”
“Extending the deadline will ensure everyone in these communities has the opportunity to take advantage of this program, which serves as a national model,” said CEO Barton McDevitt. “We’re beyond pleased with the response so far and expect the number of signed contracts to increase dramatically during October.”
To date, the 17 communities participating in Solarize Mass – Acton, Arlington, Boston, Hopkinton, Lenox, Lincoln, Melrose, Mendon, Millbury, Montague, Newburyport, Palmer, Pittsfield, Shirley, Sudbury, Sutton and Wayland – have contracted over 288 solar systems with an expected generation of 1.9 megawatts, enough to power the equivalent of 312 homes or cutting the emissions equal to taking 212 cars off the road.
More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in the program, with more than 2,000 of those scheduling site assessments at their homes or businesses.
The installers participating in the Solarize Mass program – Astrum Solar, New England Clean Energy, Northeast Solar Design Associates, Roof Diagnostics, SolarCity, SolarFlair and SunBug Solar – have agreed to extend the program deadline by one month in all 17 communities. Residents and businesses interested in participating should call (617) 315-9306 for more information.
Visit the community pages listed below for extension details specific to their municipality.
Solarize Acton; Solarize Arlington; Solarize Boston; Solarize Hopkinton; Solarize Lenox; Solarize Lincoln; Solarize Melrose; Solarize Mendon; Solarize Millbury; Solarize Montague; Solarize Newburyport; Solarize Palmer; Solarize Pittsfield; Solarize Shirley; Solarize Sudbury; Solarize Sutton; Solarize Wayland.
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, the equivalent of powering 22,618 homes for a year or cutting the emissions equivalent to taking 15,375 cars of the road.
Massachusetts lies at the end of the energy pipeline – lacking indigenous supplies of coal, natural gas and oil. As a result, Massachusetts has some of the highest energy costs in the nation. Of the $22 billion Massachusetts spends annually on energy, $18 billion of that goes to out-of-state and foreign sources. Increasingly the state’s base of renewable energy through programs like Solarize Mass keeps more of that money in the local economy, while creating jobs at the same time.
Clean energy jobs in Massachusetts have grown by 11.2 percent from 2011 to 2012, according to the 2012 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report.

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. Follow the Twitter hash tag #SolarizeMass for more information.

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan today announced that the Community Music School has received $124,000 in grant funding from ReBuild Western Massachusetts, a program that offers grants and no-interest loans to residents, businesses and non-profit groups affected by the June 1, 2011 tornado.
The funding is helping the Community Music School, which serves over 1,400 students each year from more than 30 communities, replace an aging, inefficient heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system with new, innovative design that taps geothermal and solar thermal resources to realize significant energy savings.

“This program is part of an overall commitment by the Patrick-Murray Administration to promote energy efficiency and clean energy projects across Massachusetts,” said Secretary Sullivan. “Upon completion of this project, the Community Music School will be using two-thirds less energy than a new system built only to code and be able to focus on its mission: educating and expanding the horizons of its students.”

The Community Music School also received an $187,000 incentive from Western Mass Electric and Columbia Gas and a $300,000 loan from Mass Development has been committed to help facilitate the work.

Since its inception in September 2011, ReBuild Western Massachusetts has committed $1.5 million in direct or leveraged assistance to affected homeowners and business owners in Springfield, Brimfield, Monson, Sturbridge, Charlton, Agawam, West Springfield, Wilbraham and Southbridge.

This funding includes $310,000 in residential grants, $260,000 in loans from local banks, over $75,000 in special solar electricity incentives, over $156,000 in grants to affected businesses and non-profits, nearly $200,000 in grants for energy efficiency in low-income housing and $510,000 for tree planting on private property in Springfield.

ReBuild Western Massachusetts is run jointly by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).

“We hope this this energy-efficiency project will also serve as a teaching tool for the more than 1,400 students who pass through these doors each year, displaying the importance of controlling energy consumption in making a brighter future,” said Alicia Barton McDevitt, CEO of MassCEC.

“This program is a continuation of our commitment to the Western Massachusetts communities affected by the June 1 tornadoes,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “Helping people rebuild their homes and businesses using energy efficient methods cuts energy costs, saves people money, and creates local jobs.”

Property owners who suffered storm damage have until October 1, 2012 to contact the program and begin the application process. The building improvements need to be complete by December 31, 2012 and final completed application, receipts and invoices must be submitted no later than January 31, 2013.

Eligible property owners in Hampden and Worcester Counties may apply for loans or grants to fund attic, wall, and basement insulation; high efficiency heating and hot water systems; Energy Star® replacement windows and doors; and solar electric and solar hot water systems.

Participants are eligible to apply if an insurance company, FEMA or other supporting state, local, and federal agencies has documented damage to their home or business. Interested applicants should go to www.mass.gov/energy/rebuildwesternma or call 877-524-1325 to make an appointment with an application and technical advisor.

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt today announced Hopkinton residents and businesses have qualified for the lowest pricing tier available under the Solarize Massachusetts Program (Solarize Mass) and will receive prices well below rates for traditional sources of energy.

As a result of Solarize Mass, the average Hopkinton participant who enters into a contract to buy solar electricity will now pay an average of 5 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 October 31 to sign contracts to participate in the bulk purchasing program.

“I hope Hopkinton’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 162 megawatts of solar installed to date, the equivalent of powering 25,623 homes for a year.

To date, a number of residents and businesses in Hopkinton have banded together to participate in the program, contracting 38 solar systems for a total capacity of 252 kilowatts (kW).

Solarize Mass, which is available in 17 Massachusetts communities including Hopkinton, 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 Hopkinton 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, Hopkinton homeowners entered into contracts to purchase solar would pay $33.

A committee of Hopkinton volunteers and municipal officials selected a partnership between Framingham-based SolarFlair.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) this week received one of the Clean Energy States Alliance’s (CESA) seven 2012 State Leadership in Clean Energy awards for MassCEC’s Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Pilot Program.
The program offered rebates on a first-come, first-served basis to residential and commercial property-owners who install solar panels to power water and space heating in their homes or businesses.
MassCEC Project Manager Christie Howe accepted the award Monday evening at CESA’s fall meeting in Albany, New York.
“It’s an honor to receive this award for our innovative Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Program, which has helped 320 businesses and homeowners cut their energy costs by using the sun to heat water,” said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt, who also attended the meeting. “We hope our approach to supporting thermal performance-monitoring will serve as a national model.”
The Commonwealth Solar Hot Water Program provides rebates of up to 25 percent of total system costs, up to $3,500 for residential systems or up to $50,000 for commercial-scale systems.
During the pilot program, MassCEC distributed $535,000 in rebates, which funded 320 residential and commercial-scale systems.
The pilot program also took a nation-leading approach towards incentivizing the installation of performance monitoring equipment for solar hot water systems. Residents were given the option of installing the monitoring equipment, which tracks the system’s performance and alerts to disruptions in service, while commercial projects were required to install the equipment.
Both residential and commercial clients received an additional rebate to cover the costs of the performance monitoring equipment.
Solar hot water systems generate thermal energy from sunlight to heat water through roof-mounted solar collectors. Heating water accounts for roughly 20 percent of all home energy consumption, and installing a solar water heater can save between 50 and 75 percent of those costs, reducing the need for traditional fossil fuel sources of energy.
To date, projects installed through the program have produced hot water equal to the amount used in 150 Massachusetts homes.
MassCEC previously won CESA State Leaders in Clean Energy awards for its Community Scale Wind Initiative in 2011 and its Solar Energy for Green Affordable Housing program in 2009.
“Despite challenging economic conditions and uncertainty over continuing federal support, the SLICE Award-winning state programs have demonstrated innovation, supported emerging technologies, and advanced clean energy markets,” said Mark Sinclair, Executive Director of CESA. “After a decade of experience working with clean energy funds across the country, CESA feels confident that these programs represent the best of what’s out there today.”

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) today announced that the deadline for the Solarize Massachusetts program (Solarize Mass  has been extended to Nov. 4 due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy on the Commonwealth.
"With the storm bringing high winds and heavy rain to Massachusetts, we want to ensure that solar installers and home and business owners can safely execute contracts," said MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton McDevitt. "This will give homeowners and businesses extra time to focus on storm recovery while keeping the program open so they can still participate."
Solarize Mass is currently underway in Acton, Arlington, Boston, Hopkinton, Lenox, Lincoln, Melrose, Mendon, Millbury, Montague, Newburyport, Palmer, Pittsfield, Shirley, Sudbury, Sutton and Wayland.
“We want to make sure people will have some extra time to participate in this program following the devastating storm this week,” said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “We appreciate the work of the communities to get the word out to residents and businesses about the opportunity to lock in discounted solar pricing.”
Residents and business owners looking to sign a contract should contact their solar installer directly.
The program, designed to increase the adoption of solar energy and reduce the cost of solar energy, offers residents and businesses long-term discounted solar pricing and lower prices than traditional sources of fossil fuel-based energy generation, which is also costly to the environment and public health.
Solarize Mass, administered jointly by MassCEC and DOER, encourages the adoption of small scale solar PV systems by allowing residents and businesses to access a five-tiered, bulk purchasing program in their communities. As more people in a particular community contract for solar energy, the price drops for all involved.