"This project is a worthy investment for the citizens of Massachusetts. It supports good jobs for workers right here in Massachusetts, and these solar arrays will produce clean electricity for decades to come," said Kevin Price, president of the firm.
Among the sites being upgraded are the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Norman Smith Environmental Education Center at Chickatawbut Hill, and community colleges and universities across the Commonwealth.
Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the project is a major step toward achieving Governor Patrick's goal to install 250 MW of solar power energy by the year 2017. In all, the Commonwealth has dedicated over $160 million of renewable energy and federal funds to support investment in solar energy totaling almost $330 million.
Other Massachusetts-based companies round out the project team: Evergreen Solar of Marlboro manufactures the PV modules at its facility in Devens, Solectria Renewables, LLC of Lawrence produces the inverters and Ostrow Electric Co. of Worcester will install the equipment.
"The renewable energy sector is a bright spot for jobs in Metro West and the worker training available here will give even more people a chance to participate. Projects like this and companies like Renewable Sales are going to lead Massachusetts back to prosperity," said Senator Karen Spilka, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. Spilka represents the 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk District.
Renewable Sales, which opened its doors in 2008, features a showroom and classroom. They provide products, consulting services and training to licensed contractors in New England, New York and Pennsylvania. Price applies 28 years of wholesale distribution experience in the construction sector to the solar energy market.