Commonwealth Solar II

In April, 2007 Massachusetts’ Governor Deval Patrick laid out a 10-year goal for the commonwealth to adopt 250 megawatts worth of solar power installations by 2017. With just under 6 years remaining until the deadline, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has announced it is deploying a business model they call Solarize Massachusetts.  The model’s aim is to encourage residents and business owners to adopt solar photovoltaic (PV) technology and it will begin with four pilot communities that include Harvard, Hatfield, Scituate and Winchester.

According to MassCEC, its plan is to educate the communities about solar power systems in hopes that it will drive interest in adopting the technology. The organization plans to do this by providing free solar education  and technical support organized within the  four pilot communities. Ultimately, MassCEC would like to see  implementation of community-wide solar programs for both residential and small-scale commercial projects.

MassCEC says it has issued formal requests for bulk purchasing proposals from solar integrators whereby installation costs would be based on a tiered structure that provides both lower prices and increased solar energy capacity. MassCEC intends to partner with these integrators to provide the aforementioned education as well as free solar assessments, financing options and installation services for each of the pilot areas.

Solar adoption in Massachusetts was a little slow to pick up initially. However, in 2008  the commonwealth launched solar rebate programs to augment funds that came available via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. That kicked solar interest up a few notches and solar installations increased 20-fold between 2007 and 2010. Presently, there are almost 45 megawatts  of solar energy installed in Massachusetts, and an additional 40 megawatts contracted for installation.

Those numbers are up from the 3.5 megawatt statistic that greeted Governor Patrick when he took office in January 2007. Apparently those rebate programs helped boost the Massachusetts solar industry. According to a MassCEC survey of clean energy companies, employment in solar manufacturing, installation, and services has more than doubled since the governor first took office, and solar manufacturing jobs alone have close to tripled from 2007 to 2010.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced that it is partnering with Alteris Renewables, Munro Distributing and New England Breeze to provide services in for the Solarize Massachusetts pilot the towns of Hatfield, Harvard, Scituate and Winchester. 
In late April, 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. MassCEC will partner with the four integrators to provide education, free solar assessments, different ownership (or financing) models, and installation services in the Solarize Massachusetts pilot communities. Alteris Renewables will provide services for Solarize Massachusetts in the towns of Winchester and Hatfield. Munro Distributing will provide services in Scituate and New England Breeze will provide services in Harvard. 
Solarize Massachusetts is a new business model that MassCEC announced in April 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. 
 “We are well on our way to reaching Governor Patrick’s goal to install 250 megawatts of solar power in Massachusetts by 2017 – in the process building a new clean energy economy,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., who chairs the MassCEC board of directors. “Shifting to a clean energy economy hinges, ultimately, on energy choices made by individuals, families, and businesses across the state. Solarize Massachusetts embodies that grassroots approach and has the potential to take the Patrick-Murray Administration’s efforts to a new level, catalyzing wider adoption of solar energy and greater energy independence through the power of community connections.”
“The innovative business models offered by these three companies will make installing solar photovoltaic easier and more affordable than ever before,” said MassCEC Executive Director Patrick Cloney. “By deploying these models and educating communities on solar, Solarize Massachusetts will put us one step closer to reaching Governor Patrick’s solar energy goals, and one step closer to making clean energy a marquee industry in Massachusetts, like life sciences, IT and financial services.” 
Through Solarize Massachusetts, MassCEC provides 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 a business model to reduce costs. 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.
“The Commonwealth has led the nation in empowering cities and towns to create a greener energy future through the creation of the Green Communities Division and the Green Communities Designation and Grant program. With Solarize Mass, we are now empowering residents and businesses to also lead-by-example and participate in the clean energy economy,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Mark Sylvia. 
"I'm pleased Harvard has been selected to be a part of the promising new Solarize Massachusetts program, which I hope will lead to the increased use of solar technology in our community - and, ultimately, a successful business model for expanding solar throughout the Commonwealth," said Senator Jamie Eldridge. 
“Solarize Massachusetts is a promising initiative that will have many environmental and economic benefits both for Scituate and for the Commonwealth. I look forward to seeing this pilot program get underway in the coming months,” said Senator Robert L. Hedlund.
"This represents yet another step toward a cleaner, more efficient, more sustainable future," said Senator Stan Rosenberg said. "The people involved with this project are demonstrating a remarkable ability to examine old problems with new eyes."
"Recently designated a Green Community, Harvard is continuing their commitment to clean energy by participating in the Solarize Massachusetts Program,” said Representative Jennifer Benson. I congratulate them on being chosen as part of the pilot program and know the community will benefit greatly from this partnership."
"I am pleased that the residents of the town of Scituate will be able to take part in this great program," said Representative Garrett Bradley.  "By allowing residents to group buy solar panels for their home it will allow more residents to have access to this technology."  "It is critical that we invest in green energy in the Commonwealth and the Solarize Massachusetts program will be a big step in that direction."
"Scituate has long been a leader in investigating clean energy sources, and I think this pilot program will be a great opportunity for folks to get more information to determine if solar power is a potential solution for their energy needs," said Representative Jim Cantwell.
"Winchester is excited to be a pilot community in the Solarize Mass program and looks forward to working with Alteris Renewables to assist residents and business owners with installing solar PV panels to reduce energy use and save money," said Representative Jason Lewis.
MassCEC and DOER solicited applications for the pilot program from designated Green Communities and selected at random one community from each region to participate. 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. 
As a result of the Commonwealth Solar rebate programs launched in 2008 and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for solar on water treatment facilities and other public buildings, Massachusetts is in the midst of a 30-fold increase in solar PV installations since 2007. Currently, there are nearly 45 MW of solar energy installed in Massachusetts, and an additional 40 MW under contract for installation by the end of this year - up from 3.5 MW when Governor Patrick took office. 
Commonwealth Solar rebate programs also helped spur a vibrant solar industry in Massachusetts. According to a MassCEC survey of clean energy companies, employment in solar manufacturing, installation, and services has more than doubled since Governor Patrick first took office, and solar manufacturing jobs alone have more than doubled from 2007 to 2010.

State officials are trying to drive down the cost of solar power for homeowners and small businesses by bringing potential buyers together with sellers in a more cost-efficient manner.
Right now, solar installers have to make their pitch house by house. The state’s new program, called Solarize Massa­chu­setts, aims to round up a bunch of potential customers in a town and let a solar installer make a presentation to all of them at once. It’s a little like the website Groupon, where merchants offer a price discount to attract a large volume of customers.
Patrick Cloney, the executive director of the Massa­chu­setts Clean Energy Center, says part of the idea behind the pilot program was born from his experience in the construction business, where he would perform work on one house in a neighborhood, and then neighbors would come to him asking for work to be done on their homes.
“I always thought that was an interesting phenomenon. It gave residents a level of comfort that, if we were doing a good job on one house, we’d do a good job on all the rest,” says Cloney in a phone interview.
The Clean Energy Center is testing the concept this summer in Scituate, Winchester, Hatfield, and Harvard, four of the state’s 53 green communities, a state designation for cities and towns that have met a set of regulatory and energy use criteria.
Cloney says the “solar integrators,” or companies that will install the solar photovoltaic systems, agreed to a tiered pricing model where the cost of the system to homeowners will depend on how many people sign up. He says participants can expect to see a base savings of 8 to 10 percent off the current cost of a solar photovoltaic system, which is about $6 per watt, or $30,000 for a five-kilowatt system.  If more people participate, savings could rise to between 18 and 33 percent, he says.
A homeowner’s energy savings will depend on a number of factors, including whether he purchases the system outright or leases it from the company doing the installation. With existing tax credits and other incentives available for installing solar, Cloney says a system typically will pay for itself within six to seven years. Assuming the industry-standard 20-year warranty on a solar photovoltaic system, Cloney says a homeowner could pay off the system and end up generating electricity at no cost for about 14 years. The payoff will be faster with the savings from the Solarize Massachusetts effort, he says.
Alteris Renewables, a Connecticut-based company whose website boasts the tagline “The sun will never announce a rate hike,” was chosen as the solar integrator for Win­chester and Hatfield. Hudson-based New England Breeze will be the integrator for the town of Harvard and New Bedford-based Munro Distributing will provide the services for Scituate.
The Solarize program is part of an ambitious effort by the Patrick administration to install 250 megawatts of solar energy by 2017. Massachusetts is expecting to have 85 megawatts installed by the end of this year.
To promote interest in the pilot, the Clean Energy Center provided the selected towns with small grants for marketing and promotion of meetings where residents can learn more about the program.
“Solar 101” community meetings were held in late May, with the purpose of educating residents about solar energy. Louellyn Lambros, a volunteer for Solarize Massa­chusetts in Scituate and member of an initiative called Sustainable Scituate, helped spread the word about the program in Scituate through flyers, newspaper announcements, and social media.
Lambros says interest is strong, with 143 people attending the May 23 “Solar 101” meeting in her town. “I have to say I was just so surprised that, practically without exception, there was just so much enthusiasm for solar energy, that the idea of it had become so mainstream,” says Lambros.
In Winchester, Dave Judelson, who serves as a liaison between Solarize Massachusetts and town nonprofit groups, says that there were about 120 people interested in getting the solar assessment done for their homes.
Kate Plourd, a spokeswoman for the Clean Energy Center, says residents were invited to “Solar 201” meetings in mid-June where they would hear from the chosen solar integrator in their area on costs and potential savings. At the Solar 201 meetings, residents would also be able to sign up for a site assessment to ensure that installing solar panels on their property is viable. Participants will be able to sign contracts for installation through Sept­em­ber, after which the pilot program ends.
Both Cloney and Plourd emphasized that the pilot’s focus on solar energy education is a way to build interest in harnessing the sun’s energy. “By teaching people and encouraging them to spread the word, we think that more people will learn and really understand how easy it is,” Plourd says.

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

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced that 42 residents or businesses have contracted with New England Breeze to install solar photovoltaic (PV) projects through MassCEC’s Solarize Mass pilot. The projects will total 219 kW of solar in Harvard, allowing residents and business owners to install solar at a further discounted rates through Solarize Mass. 
“Congratulations to the town of Harvard for surpassing this milestone, ensuring the community lower price points on solar power that will likely spur even greater adoption of solar power,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., who chairs the MassCEC board. “As of today, Massachusetts has nearly 60 megawatts of solar power installed – and Solarize Mass is another way we are spreading the solar revolution across the state.”  
“Solarize Massachusetts is not only teaching residents and business owners in these four towns that solar energy is a viable way to manage energy costs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but it is also helping drive down costs of solar across the state,” said MassCEC Executive Director Patrick Cloney. “I am thrilled to see the level of enthusiasm that these four communities have shown towards their clean energy future.”
"Harvard, designated a Green Community by the Department of Energy Resources, has demonstrated once again what can happen when a community comes together at the grassroots level to achieve its clean energy goals.  As soon as they were selected to participate, the Harvard municipal team and Energy Committee hit the ground running with outreach to their residents on the Solarize Mass program.   They are a true example of how we are going to create a cleaner energy future for Massachusetts – community by community," said DOER Commissioner Mark Sylvia.
As part of the Solarize Mass pilot MassCEC issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for bulk purchasing business models from solar integrators in which installation costs are based on a tiered structure that provide lower costs with increased capacity of solar installed within the community. New England Breeze was selected as the Solarize installer for Harvard, and is the first installer to reach 200 kW through the program.
Due to soaring demand MassCEC has extended the deadline for Solarize Mass. Harvard residents will be able to take advantage of the Solarize Mass pricing achieved by September 30 through October 31. This extension will allow residents to sign proposals they have received at the Solarize price tier achieved by September 30th. Contracts signed after September 30th will not help lower solar PV pricing in Harvard, but the extension through October 31 will enable more Harvard residents and business to take advantage of extremely competitive pricing.
For more information on Solarize Mass visit: www.MassCEC.com/solarizemass.
"Achieving Tier 3 pricing shows the Harvard's commitment to renewable energy and is great news for Harvard residents that have elected to install solar PV,” said Solarize Mass Harvard Organizer Jim Elkind. “More importantly, this milestone validates the potential for communities, the state, and businesses to partner to markedly increase the adoption of renewable energy."
"Interest in the Solarize Mass program in Harvard has really picked up in the last several weeks as the program deadline approaches.  There is real excitement about how many solar homes will be in town," said Solarize Mass Harvard Program Manager Kristen Ferguson.
“Harvard’s continued leadership in the Solarize Massachusetts program is great news for my constituents, more of whom will now have a clean, reliable source of electricity, and for the Commonwealth as a whole whose forwarding-looking energy policies are creating good, green jobs in Massachusetts, which reduce our dependence on out-of-state energy sources.” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge.
“Harvard continues to provide leadership to the Commonwealth by proving this program can make a difference on a home by home basis. This model proves that individuals, when given support and tools, can have a large positive influence on our future environment,” said Representative Jennifer Benson.
Solarize Massachusetts was launched in four pilot communities in Massachusetts this spring to encourage residents and business owners to adopt solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. MassCEC, in partnership with the Green Communities Division of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) selected the communities of Harvard, Hatfield, Scituate, and Winchester to participate in the model, which leverages education, grassroots marketing, and group purchasing to accelerate the adoption of solar PV. MassCEC has provided education and marketing support to help the four communities implement a community-wide solar PV program for residential and small-scale commercial projects, and deploy bulk-purchasing business model to reduce costs.

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

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

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

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.

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.