MassLive - First Wind Begins Solar Power Project in Warren

News Article

By Jim Kinney

First Wind, an independent U.S.-based renewable energy company, marked the start last week of construction of its 14 megawatt solar project in the town of Warren.

Located at three sites in Warren, First Wind's solar project will be the second-largest in Massachusetts and, along with a 3 megawatt project in Millbury, represents the company's first renewable energy projects in its home state and first solar developments.

During a groundbreaking ceremony on the project site, First Wind officials were joined by U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield and Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Richard K. Sullivan Jr.

"I strongly favor an "all-of-the above' energy strategy that utilizes all of America's natural resources," Neal said according to a release. "This comprehensive approach has already generated significant investment in our domestic energy industry, helped create jobs, and reduced U.S. dependency on foreign oil. It also reduces air pollution and protects our environment. If we are to become energy independent, ventures like First Wind's solar project in Warren need to be enthusiastically supported. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts leads the nation in energy efficiency, and this exciting solar project brings us closer to a clean energy future."

First Wind broke ground after securing financing and finalizing a 30-year power purchase agreement with the University of Massachusetts, with the majority of the power generated being delivered to the Lowell and Medical Center campuses. Through these solar projects, UMass will save more than $1 million in annual energy costs, or a total of more than $30 million over the course of the 30-year agreement.

Once the solar projects are operational, First Wind will make yearly tax payments to each of the towns -- $130,000 annually for Warren and $50,000 annually for Millbury -- as well as contribute conservation land within the host communities. In addition, the towns of Millbury and Orange will realize annual energy savings by receiving a smaller portion of the energy generated through net metering agreements.

These Massachusetts-based projects are the first solar projects that are part of the First Wind Solar Group, formed in an effort to explore potential development opportunities across the company's current footprint in the Northeast, the West and Hawaii.

Construction on the Warren and Millbury solar projects is being led by Borrego Solar Systems, one of the nation's leading designers and installers of commercial and utility solar power systems. Construction on all four project sites should be completed and operating by June 2014. Construction activities will be a source of economic activity for the local economies by creating roughly 85 construction-related jobs and driving spending with local businesses. The projects will represent a significant investment in Massachusetts and the communities along with millions of dollars in construction, materials and development costs.

"This year, the Commonwealth ranked third in new solar capacity, nationally. To date, Borrego Solar has installed over 38 megawatts of solar energy capacity in Massachusetts and is proud to now be aligned with a fellow renewable energy leader in the region to help keep the local solar industry moving forward," said Mike Hall, CEO of Borrego Solar. "Aside from providing significant energy cost savings for UMass, Orange and Millbury, the project will create local jobs and help shift the state's energy supply towards clean, local sources."

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