February 24, 2016
Sponsored by Comms Team

4 Projects Push Solar Forward At #SolarPVExpo

Four solar projects were awarded the 2016 Photovoltaic Project of Distinction award at the Solar Power PV & Expo in Boston, Massachusetts, today. 

 
Each award-winning project presented exemplary solar projects that are paving the way for how energy is being used today, and what is in store for the future of the solar industry.
 
Palmer Airport Brownfield

There are multiple entities directly benefitting from this project. Learn more.

The Palmer Airport project is the first and largest solar array on a qualified brownfield under the Massachusetts DOER SREC II program, the result of a successful public/private collaboration. The project was constructed adjacent to a decommissioned landfill on the site of former private airport, and is already being replicated on the landfill site. Three public entities – the Towns of Leicester and Spencer, and Worcester State University will all receive energy credits generated by the project, resulting in millions in cost savings. Participating companies include: 

  • Borrego Solar Systems, Inc.
  • Renewable Energy Massachusetts
  • Syncarpha Capital LLC

National Grid – Solar Phase II
National Grid’s Solar Phase II project locates and installs its PV systems on sites deemed to bring the most benefit to the electric distribution system, even if it presents a challenging construction. When completed there will be eighteen projects, built in specific targeted locations to help better service the grid, with advanced inverter functionality and remote control capabilities. Throughout this innovative project, National Grid has partnered with local solar developers and towns with aspirations of engaging local high schools and colleges to get them involved in an effort to expand the potential value these type of solar projects with learnings applied to future installs. Participating companies include: 

  • National Grid
  • Borrego Solar Systems, Inc.  

PSE&G Solar Storage Pilot
The Hopewell Valley Central High School solar project was implemented as a part of PSE&G’s Solar 4 All program using integrated technologies to reduce solar impact on the grid and demonstrate reliability and grid resiliency. Located in Hopewell, NJ, it features an 876 kilowatt-dc grid connected solar system with lithium ion battery storage, comprised of a rooftop system on the school and canopy system over the school parking lot. The system is metered from SREC sale, and provides community benefits in the form of lease payments to the school and by providing a shelter and warming station during extended power outages and natural disasters. Participating companies include: 

  • PSE&G
  • Advanced Solar Products
  • Hopewell Valley Regional School District
  • AF Mensah, Inc.

Sippican Community Solar Garden
The Sippican Community Solar Garden is unique business model that combined favorable state policies and incentives with smart technology and design choices to bring energy independence to residents, non-profits, and businesses in southeastern Massachusetts. The project produces 900-kilowatt-DC, featuring Enphase microinverter systems, and is expected to generate over 1,200 megawatt-hours per year, helping over 100 cooperative members across 23 towns to leverage the buying power of a large group to receive direct savings on energy costs. Participating companies include: 

  • Enphase
  • My Generation Solar
 
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) work together to judge and present the prestigious awards.
 
Tweet along with SEIA and the rest the solar industry by using hashtag #SolarPVExpo throughout the conference. 
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