Nexamp, Inc., a leading provider of solar energy solutions, today announced the operation of a 2.6 megawatt community solar project in Charlton, Mass., the fourth of its kind in the Worcester County community. Having completed construction at the end of 2017, the 8,100-panel facility was recently approved for operations by the local utility, and has begun generating renewable energy and savings for local partners.
Through the Commonwealth’s widely popular net metering program, Perkins – a human service agency in Lancaster, Mass. that served over 1,300 children, youth and adults with educational, developmental and mental health challenges last year – will benefit from lower operating costs through direct electricity cost savings. The savings derived by the Perkins facility is estimated at nearly $50,000 in the first year alone and $1 million over the project’s lifetime, freeing up funds to expand programs and operations that support families across central Massachusetts.
“Paired with an existing rooftop array on our Janeway Education Center, Nexamp’s community solar project will help Perkins offset 90 percent of its electricity usage from the sun,” said Michael Ames, President and CEO of Perkins. “This project not only promotes sustainability in the region, but allows Perkins to free up funds to better serve the children, youth, adults and families who seek our services each year.”
Additionally, over 70 residents, small businesses and nonprofits have subscribed through Nexamp’s Solarize My Bill™ community solar program and will benefit from utility cost savings generated by the solar array. Between the community solar subscribers and Perkins, the Sampson Road solar array is expected to save ratepayers millions throughout the project’s lifetime. The Sampson Road solar project will produce enough electricity equivalent to offset 5,164,000 pounds of carbon dioxide or 553 cars off the road annually.
“These community solar projects continue to demonstrate the immense potential of thoughtful policy in the Commonwealth,” Nexamp CEO Zaid Ashai said. “In helping Massachusetts meet its clean energy goals, we’re also able to directly assist local ratepayers and providers of critical community services, like Perkins. It’s a model we’re discussing with policymakers across the country, and Massachusetts has an opportunity to continue to lead the way.”
With nearly 100 employees, Nexamp continues to expand and fuel the local clean energy transition through a commitment to the escalating community solar market in the Bay State. By the end of 2018, the company is slated to serve thousands of Massachusetts households, small businesses, and non-profits across nearly 30 community solar projects. As it awaits the implementation of the long-anticipated Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program, the company continues to expand operations in several new community solar markets, including New York, Illinois, and Maryland.
About Nexamp
Nexamp is leading the transformation to the new energy economy with proven solutions for the deployment and operation of solar energy assets. Our comprehensive capabilities span the entire solar project lifecycle – from project development, design and construction, through financing, operations and maintenance. Our integrated, best-in class solutions make solar energy simple and profitable for our clients and partners, and make an impact every day. With a rapidly expanding network of property owners, businesses, communities and residents benefitting from our growing portfolio of solar assets across the US, Nexamp and our partners are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more secure energy future. For more information, please visit www.Nexamp.com.
About Perkins
Perkins is a multi-faceted human service agency providing a variety of innovative special educational, vocational, and community-based services. Perkins’ mission is to promote meaningful well-being for children, youth and adults facing learning, developmental, or mental health challenges. For more information please visit Perkins’ website, www.Perkinsprograms.org.
For Media Inquiries:
Keith Hevenor
khevenor@nexamp.com
978-496-0098