The Bay State is wasting no time with the distribution of stimulus funds for renewable energy growth within the state, putting serious effort behind the solicitation of bids for projects on public property. Continuing to push forward, Governor Deval Patrick and Secretary of Energy Ian Bowles went out to North Andover today to solar integrator Nexamp’s logistics center. Jointly, they announced that the solar installer has been awarded a $20 million contract to build 4.1 MW of ground-mounted solar panel arrays at twelve drinking and waste water treatment facilities throughout the state.

The Journal of New England Technology reported that Nexamp expects to see 100 new jobs created over the next 18 months by this project. Massachusetts has struggled to maintain its reputation for a strong green job market since solar panel manufacturer Evergreen Solar announced it was shifting panel assembly to China (mere months after being lured to set up shop not far from Boston by a sweet suite of incentives put together by Governor Patrick). Whenever possible, Nexamp will try to use Massachusetts-based products like Evergreen solar panels in order to qualify for higher levels of rebate funding.

This $20 million solar project is part of an approximately $37 million commitment of stimulus funds to energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements on state water treatment facilities.