BlueWave Celebrates Dual-Use Solar Projects Across Massachusetts, Contributing to the Commonwealth's Renewable Energy Goals - SolarQuarter

BlueWave Celebrates Dual-Use Solar Projects Across Massachusetts, Contributing to the Commonwealth's Renewable Energy Goals - SolarQuarter

BlueWave, a Boston-based renewable energy company and certified B Corp, announced the completion of five innovative dual-use solar projects across Massachusetts. These projects, which are part of the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program, are located in Palmer, Haverhill, Dighton, and Douglas. Combined, they add 19.8 MWDC of solar generation and 29.7 MWhr of storage capacity to the state’s power grid, effectively reducing carbon emissions by approximately 13,000 tons annually.

Trevor Hardy, CEO and Co-Founder of BlueWave, emphasized the company’s commitment to community and sustainability. “Serving our surrounding communities is in our DNA and continues to be the driving force behind the solar development decisions we make,” Hardy stated. “The energy generated by these projects ensures greater access to community solar initiatives and supports farmers’ ongoing success with their land.”

Massachusetts is progressing toward its statewide goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with renewable energy sources like BlueWave’s solar and solar-plus-storage projects playing a pivotal role. Governor Maura Healey praised the projects, noting, “Agrivoltaic projects like these balance our clean energy targets with protecting our agricultural traditions. Congratulations to BlueWave on the launch of this initiative and to the towns of Dighton, Douglas, Haverhill, and Palmer for their efforts in fighting climate change and lowering energy costs for residents.”

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The projects are designed to integrate farming operations beneath the solar arrays, a practice known as agrivoltaics. BlueWave collaborated closely with local farmers to implement these dual-use practices, ensuring that the land remains fully operational for agriculture. The sites feature a variety of crops and livestock, contributing to the resilience of rural communities.

Nathan L’Etoile from the American Farmland Trust (AFT) highlighted the significance of agrivoltaics in promoting a just energy transition. “Agrivoltaics provides a pathway for a clean, just energy transition, supporting farmers and landowners while keeping Massachusetts’s precious farmland under production,” L’Etoile said.

In addition to these projects, Lowell General Hospital has partnered with BlueWave as an anchor customer for the Palmer and Haverhill sites. This collaboration allows low-income residents to participate in clean energy initiatives, reducing financial barriers to accessing renewable energy. As part of the agreement, Lowell General Hospital will receive 50% of the project’s energy capacity in the form of community solar bill credits, helping to offset operational costs and invest in further sustainability projects.

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Kevin Foley, Director of Plant Operations and Property at Lowell General Hospital, commented on the partnership, “As the anchor customer of a community solar project with BlueWave, we’re able to support our community while lowering costs through state-of-the-art renewable solar energy technology.”

The new solar projects are expected to be operational by the end of 2024. BlueWave is also expanding its efforts beyond Massachusetts, with nearly 500 MWDC of solar projects in active development across 11 states.