Lowell, MA – The Baker-Polito administration recently announced the selection of the city of Lowell to participate in the 2018 Solarize Mass Plus program to promote the adoption of solar technology and air source heat pumps among residents.
A partnership between the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), and local communities, Solarize Mass reduces the overall cost of solar in municipalities across the state, helping residents save as much as 21% on solar pricing compared to the statewide average.
“Communities across Massachusetts are helping the commonwealth establish a nation-leading clean energy economy, while increasing access to cost-cutting technologies,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Through the Solarize Mass program, our administration is partnering with local municipalities to make solar more affordable for Massachusetts residents.”
The Solarize Mass program looks to increase the adoption of small-scale solar electricity systems through a grassroots educational campaign, driven mainly by local volunteers and reduced pricing that increases the savings for participants.
Since its launch in 2011, 64 cities and towns have participated in Solarize Mass, which has led to the contracting of more than 3,300 new small-scale installations at homes and businesses resulting in 22.3 megawatts of contracted solar capacity. To date, systems installed under Solarize Mass have reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 1,800 cars off the road annually.
The Solarize Mass Plus program, first piloted in 2017, pairs the Solarize Mass model with an additional technology offering, like solar hot water or air source heat pumps.
Massachusetts currently has 2,176 megawatts of solar capacity installed statewide, enough to power more than 344,000 homes.
