Highway Right-of-Way Solar Project
In the summer of 2013, MassDOT issued a Request for Response to install solar PV generating facilities at multiple parcels within the State highway layout with a minimal of 6 MW aggregated capacity.
As of March 1, 2020 MassDOT-Highway has developed approximately 4.3 MW of PV at eight sites across the state. These sites combine to generate approximately 5,300,000 kWh of energy annually, which is equal to the average power consumption of 875 homes in Massachusetts. Replacing that amount of electricity in the current ISO-NE grid with solar power leads to 2.3 tons of CO2 emission reduction annually.
MassDOT-Highway saves approximately $600,000 annually or $12 Million over the 20-year contract period at the sites.
Project Sites Annual Production
| Location | System Type | System Size kW | Power Generated kWh | CO2 Reduction Tons 872 lbs/MWh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framingham, I-90, Exit 10 North | Ground Mount | 649 | 787,000 | 343 |
| Framingham, I-90, Exit 10 South | Ground Mount | 649 | 853,000 | 372 |
| Framingham, I-90, Service Plaza | Ground Mount | 318 | 410,000 | 179 |
| Natick, I-90, Embankment | Ground Mount | 272 | 327,000 | 143 |
| Hopkinton, Research & Materials | Carports & Rooftop | 550 | 575,000 | 251 |
| Plymouth, Route 3, Service Plaza | Ground Mount | 562 | 727,000 | 317 |
| Salisbury, Rabbit Road, Depot | Ground Mount | 646 | 836,000 | 364 |
| West Stockbridge, I-90, Former Toll Plaza | Ground Mount | 646 | 744,000 | 324 |
| Totals | 4292 | 5,259,000 | 2,293 |
Future Development
Massachusetts has transitioned from the SCREC to the SMART renewable energy incentive program. MassDOT-Highway continues to explore approved sites where economic benefits exists based on the new program guidelines and the utility territory in which those sites reside.
There are three Park & Ride in Southeastern Massachusetts that we hope to advance under the SMART program: Plymouth, New Bedford and Harwich. The three sites will combine for approximately 1.2 MW of additional power generating capacity in the form of solar carports installed over paved parking areas.