Ameresco Breaks Ground on 1.5-MW Solar Power Project

“During the Industrial Revolution, our region’s gateway cities led the way in powering American innovation. Today, solar projects like this pay homage to the Fifth District’s long tradition of sparking progress and embody the clean energy renaissance we are seeing across Massachusetts,” said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. “Renewable energy research, development, and installations like the future solar array here are key to the economic future of the country, our Commonwealth, and the City of Lowell, particularly during this economic downturn. Congratulations to the City of Lowell and Ameresco for a collaborative effort that will cut the City’s energy costs, reduce its carbon footprint and spur economic development.”

More than 6,000 solar panels will soon revitalize the City of Lowell’s capped landfill site on Westford Street, transforming an under-utilized open space to a modern green-energy site that will generate electricity cost savings for the City. Through a PPA with Ameresco, the City will also be able to manage and control its electricity budget over a 20 year contract term, reducing potential future electricity price spikes.

As part of its comprehensive energy cost savings program, Ameresco previously installed and now operates five roof-top mounted solar PV systems at three elementary schools, a middle school and the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

“Once this latest project is complete, everyone will see what a green community Lowell has become,” said Lowell Mayor Patrick O. Murphy. “The bottom line is that the expansion of Lowell’s renewable infrastructure not only accrues economic benefits, but it also helps us reach our sustainability commitments as a Massachusetts Green Community.”

“We are pleased to continue and expand our partnership with Ameresco, which has already had a positive impact on our environment and our local economy,” said Bernie Lynch, City Manager of the City of Lowell. “These new solar installations will allow for significant energy cost savings that can be redirected into the reinvestment and rebuilding of our community for all residents.”

This new ground-mounted PV system comes as the third phase in a successful and award-generating partnership between Ameresco and the City of Lowell. Earlier this summer, city, state and company officials gathered at Lowell City Hall to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the ESPC, which featured 23 energy conservation measures including electrical, mechanical, weatherization, water and operational upgrades at 28 schools and 19 municipal facilities that resulted in an annual 25 percent overall savings for the City.

“The visionary leadership of the City of Lowell has proven that environmental sustainability, through the combination of energy efficiency and renewable energy, is a fiscally sound strategy for both local communities and the Commonwealth,” stated George P. Sakellaris, President and CEO, Ameresco. “Leading by example, Lowell is saving over $1.6 million annually of tax-payer dollars and reinvesting those dollars into the local infrastructure, economy and environment. We are proud to be a partner of this precedent-setting community.”

Combined, the ESPC and solar PPA have enabled the City of Lowell to leverage government and utility incentives to become a Green Community. Ameresco delivers the cost-saving benefits of solar power to cities and municipalities across the Commonwealth by financing, engineering, and operating photovoltaic systems. In turn, they receive these benefits without incurring capital and operating costs.