Carver: Solar Project along Route 44

MassDOT Highway Administrator Frank DePaola joined Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Mark Sylvia today in Carver to celebrate a 99 kilowatt solar project located on MassDOT property along Route 44. 

The solar project installed by SolareAmerica is just the third project in the nation built along a divided highway.

The installation is supported by a $150,000 grant through President Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and will provide 100 percent of the energy needs for the town’s water treatment plant.

“We’re proud to help communities like Carver find ways to increase renewable energy generation and decrease energy costs,” said Commissioner Sylvia. “Investing in projects like this will bring us closer to our aggressive renewable energy goals and create a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for the Commonwealth.”

"MassDOT is pleased to partner on this important project," said MassDOT Highway Administrator Frank DePaola. "We will continue to pursue and support similar, innovative efforts that provide cost savings and alternative energy sources for the people of the Commonwealth."

The funding for the project comes from a $14.7 million ARRA Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, through which 91 municipalities have completed energy projects such as renewable energy installations including insulation, new windows and HVAC systems.

There are now 162 megawatts of solar power installed in the 340 communities across the Commonwealth, a nearly 50-fold increase since 2007.  That represents enough power for more than 25,000 homes each year and greenhouse gas emission reductions equivalent to the emissions from more than 17,000 cars.