Real Goods Solar Selected to Expand Solar Adoption in Select Massachusetts Communities

Real Goods Solar, Inc. RSOL, a nationwide leader of turnkey solar energy solutions for residential, commercial, and utility customers, has been selected as a 2013 Solarize Mass Installer by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and the Green Communities Division of the MA Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to bring solar electricity to home and business owners in Massachusetts through the Solarize Mass program. In partnership with MassCEC, Real Goods Solar will work with Solarize Mass Community Solar Coaches to implement the Solarize Mass program in the Massachusetts communities of Northampton, Lee and Williamstown. Solarize programs are designed to increase the adoption of solar energy and further reduce the overall cost of solar power. The program offers residents and businesses discounted pricing for solar through tiered community-based incentives. As more members of a particular community participate, greater savings can be enjoyed by all. "We've realized great success with previous Solarize programs, and we expect this one to be even stronger," said Real Goods Solar CEO Kam Mofid. "Through the 2011 Solarize Mass Pilot program, Real Goods Solar helped Hatfield and Winchester Massachusetts collectively achieve more than 200 kilowatts of solar power capacity. We were also able to more than double the amount of solar in Portland, Connecticut by installing more than 342 kilowatts through the Solarize Connecticut pilot program. "Given the strong economic and environmental benefits, we anticipate strong participation with Solarize Mass, particularly in the designated 'Green Communities' of Northampton and Williamstown, and in the town of Lee, where dozens of homeowners have already asked about how they can reduce their electric bills through the program." In April 2013, as part of the effort to reach Governor Patrick's goal of 250 megawatts of solar power installed by 2017, Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. announced that MassCEC and the Department of Energy Resources had selected the cities and towns of Bourne, Brookline, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Lee, Medford, Medway, Newton, Northampton and Williamstown to participate in the first round of the 2013 Solarize Mass program. As a result of the Solarize Mass program and other incentives, the state is close to reaching its goal – 243 megawatts of solar electricity installed to date or the equivalent of powering 38,000 homes for a year. According to MassCEC CEO Alicia Barton: "This program brings together residents, local and state officials, and solar industry workers to form a truly grassroots effort. With everyone at the table, we can spread the word about the economic and environmental benefits of solar power across 10 communities."