In a state that has long provided thought leadership on the government’s role in deploying solar power, bids are now being solicited for solar projects on public buildings. Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick has set aside $20 million in stimulus funds–about 40 percent of the total stimulus funds for energy initiatives–to bankroll 16 new megawatts of solar capacity in the state. Earlier this year, the state created a buzz when it announced it was going to try for 30 new MW of solar power on public facilities.
Governor Patrick has been a staunch supporter of renewable energy in the state for some time–there have been hiccups, but by and large, he’s been firmly behind incentivizing the installation of solar power, wind power, biomass and more. For some background, let’s get it from the horse’s mouth (er, the Governor’s June 30th press release):
The Commonwealth had approximately 4 MW of installed solar power when Governor Patrick took office and setting the goal of 250 MW of solar power by 2017. Today, the state has over 11 MW of installed solar, plus 6.5 MW in the pipeline but not yet installed through the Commonwealth Solar rebate program. The Massachusetts Solar Stimulus could add up to 21 MW more – 16 MW funded through ARRA [American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009] State Energy Plan monies, plus roughly 5 MW more paid for with State Revolving Fund revenue for green infrastructure projects at drinking and wastewater treatment facilities, also financed by ARRA.
In the coming weeks, the DOER plans to issue several additional RFPs for solar projects at state-owned properties around the state. DOER selected projects through an Energy Task Force convened by the Governor’s office in preparation for receipt of ARRA funding. The Task Force identified over 13 MW of potential roof- and ground-mounted PV solar installations at a variety of state facilities, and an additional 5 MW at water and wastewater facilities. A Municipal Task Force pinpointed a number of additional projects. Future solicitations are expected to seek bids for solar installations at more colleges and housing projects, transportation facilities, and public buildings such as the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
The state aims to have contracts for this round awarded by the midle of September, with work commencing a few months later. Here are the sites in question for the first round:
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
Deer Island Administration Lab Building — 160 kilowatts (kW)
• Deer Island North Main Pump Station — 60 kW
• Carroll Water Treatment Plant Operations Building — 450 kW
• Carroll Water Treatment Plant Post-treatment Building — 50 kW
• Carroll Water Treatment Plant Generator Building — 40 kW
• Carroll Water Treatment Plant – Ground mount — 500 kW
• Biosolids Processing Facility — 400 kW
• Clinton Treatment Plant East PV Location — 90 kW
• Clinton Treatment Plant West PV Location —140 kWDepartment of Housing and Community Development
• Somerville Housing Authority, 2 Mystic River — 300 kW
• Somerville Housing Authority, 1 Clarendon Hill — 250 kWMassachusetts Port Authority (Logan Airport)
• Terminal A — 750 kW
• Terminal B — 500 kW
• Terminal C — 750 kW
• Terminal E — 750 kWWestfield State College
• New Residence Hall —150 kW
