Western Massachusetts Electric Co. (WMECo) has initiated a multi-phase procurement process for construction of its large-scale solar energy facilities. The company says this program is the first of its kind in New England.
Up to 6 MW of solar facilities will be built. WMECo plans to install up to 3 MW of photovoltaic facilities during 2010 and will begin its solicitation of potential sites in the coming weeks.
The utility has issued a request for qualification (RFQ) to over 100 prospective vendors that may be participating in the initial phase of the program. The RFQ requires these vendors to demonstrate financial stability, a strong safety record and their experience with large-scale solar energy projects.
Using the results of this RFQ, WMECo expects to issue a request for proposals in the fourth quarter for turnkey projects and award contracts and will begin construction in early 2010.
WMECo plans to select large, underutilized sites that are capable of hosting PV systems approximately 1 MW or larger in the first phase of development.
SOURCE: Western Massachusetts Electric Co.
