Ameresco Inc. and the Town of Ashland, Mass., recently cut the ribbon on three solar PV projects.
The town partnered with Ameresco to develop the projects under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA). Ameresco will operate and maintain the systems for the term of the contract.
Ashland’s solar projects, totaling 1.8 MW, are sited on the roof of the middle school, at the parking lot of the high school and at the Howe Street Landfill. Comprising more than 5,500 PV panels, the projects are expected to generate over 2.2 million kWh of renewable electricity each year.
“This project will contribute to the Town of Ashland realizing its goals, under the Green Communities Program, to reduce energy consumption and costs through the implementation of clean energy projects in its municipal buildings, facilities and schools,” says David J. Anderson, executive vice president of Ameresco. “The three solar projects represent a complementary component to the larger sustainable initiative across the municipality that included a $3.6 million comprehensive energy efficiency program, providing more than $250,000 in annual savings in its building portfolio.”
“We were happy to have a comprehensive service partner in Ameresco to help us identify and implement a diverse set of meaningful clean energy projects in our community,” adds Michael D. Herbert, town manager. “These projects not only combat the continuing global impacts of climate change but do so by virtually eliminating the town’s electric bill.”
