State officials in Massachusetts report that they will be developing nearly four megawatts of solar energy resources at several dozen locations.
According to an announcement from the Massachusetts Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs, federal stimulus funds will help develop 3.8 megawatts of solar power at 46 different sites statewide.
"Thanks in large part to the Commonwealth Solar program, growth in solar power continues to drive our new clean energy economy," said Governor Deval Patrick in the announcement. The state solar rebate program helps fund projects ranging from 5 to 200 kilowatts, while Patrick has set a goal for Massachusetts to be generating 250 megawatts of solar energy by 2017.
A previous round of funding in April under the Commonwealth Solar Program provided $4 million for 56 other projects around the state, amounting for 4 megawatts of clean electricity. To date, the program has helped fund 7.8 megawatts of Massachusetts solar projects.
The solar arrays under the current round of funding will be deployed in places ranging from school gym rooftops to police stations and union buildings, as well as a number of buildings and a handful of farms.