Commonwealth Solar

The Division of Energy Resources, in coordination with the MTC Renewable Energy Trust, is pleased to announce a new initiative for Massachusetts residences, businesses, and municipalities to adopt solar PV systems. (Read the press release, December 14, 2007 )

Commonwealth Solar will replace the current solar PV support offered by the Renewable Energy Trust under their Small Renewables Initiative and their Large On-Site Renewable Initiative (LORI will remain available for non-solar renewable applications).

Instead, Commonwealth Solar will substantially increase the amount of funds expended for solar rebates and accelerate the number of installations across Massachusetts, while significantly streamlining the rebate application process.

On January 23, Commonwealth Solar went live and is now accepting applications (read the press release, January 28, 2008 ).

A summary description of Commonwealth Solar is available here .

Boston and Red Sox Go Solar!

The City of Boston has announced its Solar Boston program, which is designed to increase the city's installed solar capacity from one-half Megawatt (MW) to 25 MWs by 2015. Among the Sponsors of the program are: The MA Division of Energy Resources, the Mass. Technology Collaborative (Commonwealth Solar), the US Department of Energy (through its Solar America Cities Initiative), National Grid, and NSTAR. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that Boston's 25 MWs goal will result in $2.75 million in health benefits from improved air quality as well as eliminate 395,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. NREL also estimates the creation of $150 million in green economic activity.

Also announced, the Boston Red Sox are installing in May a solar water heating system at Fenway Park. National Grid is assisting with the installation of the system, which will replace 37% of the gas historically used for heating water at Fenway.

For more information on these initiatives, read the City of Boston's press release, or the US DOE release. For more information on how you can install solar panels at your home, go to Commonwealth Solar.

"Creating a Greener Energy Future for the Commonwealth"