Baker-Polito Administration Announces Solar Canopy Grant for Roxbury Community College
Solar canopy will provide power, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save on energy costs
BOSTON – October 30, 2015 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced grant funding for a solar canopy at Roxbury Community College (RCC) that will supply a significant portion of the electricity needed by the college. The $600,000 grant from the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is the third to be awarded from DOER’s Leading by Example Solar Canopy Grant Program.
“Solar canopies are shining examples of Massachusetts’ commitment to clean, local energy, particularly at our state colleges, universities, state agencies and authorities,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Massachusetts’ pledge to lead by example benefits every ratepayer in the Commonwealth as state facilities secure long-term energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
“This $600,000 grant for Roxbury Community College will allow the college to cut down on its energy costs and reduce its carbon footprint,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This array represents the commitment of state government to lead by example by pursuing large scale renewable power as part of the Commonwealth’s efforts to reduce harmful emissions associated greenhouse gas emissions.”
“Roxbury Community College will save more than $5 million over 20 years, thanks to reduced electricity costs and the projected revenue it will get from Solar Renewable Energy Certificates through DOER,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Not only does this project save taxpayer money, it also helps Massachusetts achieve our Global Warming Solutions Act targets and our goal of reaching at least 1,600 megawatts of solar in Massachusetts by 2020.”
The 937kW project could generate enough electricity to power 136 Massachusetts homes each year and is expected to reduce 369 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, equal to taking 78 cars off the road a year.
“Solar canopies create an additional use for parking lots, reducing the heat created by the pavement, creating shelter from weather and providing a visible learning tool,” said DOER Commissioner Judith Judson. “State projects such as this help us protect ratepayers and meet the goals of the Global Warming Solutions Act as we stay at the forefront of innovation and lead by example.”
Solar canopies provide opportunities to generate clean renewable electricity at operating parking areas, while reducing heat absorption on parking surfaces and shading parked vehicles. DOER is supporting large, public solar PV canopy projects that will assist in meeting the Leading by Example Program energy goals, reduce or have no impact on agency/facility energy costs and provide ancillary benefits, such as shading and a reduction in the heat island effect. Massachusetts agencies have installed some 3.5 megawatts of solar canopies, with studies underway that could lead to dozens more megawatts from additional canopy installations over the next several years.
The program is funded by an allocation of Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP) funds. ACP funds are paid by electric retail suppliers if they have insufficient Renewable or Alternative Energy Certificates to meet their compliance obligations under the Renewable and Alternative Portfolio Standard programs.
The Leading by Example (LBE) program works with state agencies to meet specific targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions, energy consumption reduction and renewable energy procurement. Since 2007, state agencies have made significant progress, meeting the 25 percent greenhouse gas reduction target, generating 15 percent of electricity demand from onsite renewable and combined heat and power systems, and reducing heating oil use by 72 percent.
“We are excited and honored to receive this grant,” said Dr. Valerie Roberson, president of Roxbury Community College. “This funding will enable us to become a community leader in clean and renewable energy. Long-term, this project will provide a sustainable solution to our energy needs, thereby saving money and improving the student experience. We are thankful for this tremendous opportunity.”
“The new solar canopy will help the City of Boston achieve its sustainability goal for institutions like Roxbury Community College, resulting in cleaner, low-carbon fuel sources,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “We hope it serves as an example for others to invest in similar renewable technologies.”
“As a Commonwealth, it’s critical we continue to invest in robust and renewable energy plans that include solar and other natural resources,” said State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz (D-Boston). “I’m proud of the initiative RCC has taken to reduce electricity usage in their facilities, and to lead the way for other institutions in identifying opportunities to shift our reliance on costly, unsustainable energy sources. It’s my hope that RCC will leverage the resources from this DOER grant to expand both student services and access to innovative technologies.”
“I am thrilled to see Roxbury Community College leading neighborhood institutions in the shift to sustainable energy use and look forward to seeing solar photovoltaic canopies installed in RCC’s parking lot,” said State Representative Elizabeth Malia (D-Jamaica Plain).
“As the State Representative for Roxbury, and a strong supporter of innovation, clean energy, clean air, and sustainability, I am excited to see Roxbury Community College bring solar energy to the community by receiving this grant,” said State Representative Gloria L. Fox (D-Roxbury).
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