Massachusetts to launch $68M solar initiative

A new $68 million initiative was announced today in Massachusetts to promote the use of photovoltaic solar power in the state.

The state said the Commonwealth Solar Initiative is expected to result in 27 megawatts of additional installations over the next four years.

"Putting state government behind solar energy is a key element in growing the clean energy sector of the Massachusetts economy," said Gov. Deval Patrick.

"Before the world becomes our customer for clean energy technology, we need to become customers ourselves."

The program combines $40 million from the state's Renewable Energy Trust with $28 million from the Alternative Compliance Payment funds.

The governor made a pledge in April to increase installed solar power in the state from 4 MW today to 250 MW by 2017.

Patrick made the pledge in connection with a commitment from Marlboro, Mass.–based Evergreen Solar (Nasdaq: ESLR) to locate its first full-scale U.S. manufacturing plant in Massachusetts (see Evergreen Day).

Under the new initiative, businesses and residences that install solar power over the next four years will be eligible for rebates averaging $3 per watt at the start, with higher rebates available for installation of Massachusetts-manufactured solar panels.

The governor's office said $2 million per year for the first two years will be reserved for installing solar panels on school buildings.

The new initiative will start taking applications Jan. 23, providing cash back to owners of commercial, industrial, municipal, and residential property who install solar photovoltaic capacity.

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