New Bedford Park and Ride gets solar canopy. Here's how much money it'll earn every year.
NEW BEDFORD — State-run “Park and Ride” lots can be found throughout Massachusetts and beyond, offering a free place for motorists to pick up public transportation. But now, New Bedford’s lone Park and Ride — located on Mt. Pleasant Street, not far from Kings Highway — also doubles as a savings generator to benefit the commonwealth.
According to the state Department of Energy Resources, the three-part solar canopy now installed above the New Bedford Park and Ride’s main parking rows will produce over 688,069 kilowatt-hours of electricity within its first year in service, and 16.2 million kWh over the next two decades.
Meanwhile, the canopy will also provide shade and shelter from the elements.
The project was done in partnership between MassDOT and energy solutions company Ameresco, Inc., according to information provided by DOER External Affairs Manager Lauren Diggin. It is part of MassDOT’s and DOER’s Leading by Example Program, “aligning with the state’s Clean Energy and Climate Plan,” a press release reads.
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One of three pieces of a new solar canopy is seen over parking spots at the New Bedford Park and Ride, located at 1056 Mt. Pleasant St.
How much money will this solar power array make?
“This is the equivalent of removing 68 gas-powered cars from the road, and the equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 335 acres of U.S. forests in one year,” Diggin wrote in an email. “Energy savings for MassDOT are estimated to be approximately $24,100 annually, or $482,000 over the life of the system.”
According to information from Diggin, MassDOT “will benefit from net metering credits on its electric accounts throughout the Eversource Southeastern Mass. area.”
“The canopy is connected in front of the meter … so the solar energy produced will be used to supply the grid,” Diggin wrote.
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New Bedford solar canopy is part of larger initiative
The New Bedford Park and Ride’s new solar canopy was one half of a two-part initiative which also placed a canopy at the Harwich Park and Ride, according to a press release. On Aug. 20, officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting at the Harwich location.
“These solar canopies are a powerful example of how we can merge everyday convenience with long-term resiliency,” Mass. Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt stated in the release. “These projects help lower energy costs and enhance the experience for the thousands of people who rely on our facilities each day.”
Together, the New Bedford’s and Harwich’s two solar canopies will “save more than $750,000 in energy costs over their lifetime,” Mass. Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper stated.
More about New Bedford Park and Ride
The New Bedford Park and Ride is located at 1056 Mt. Pleasant St. and offers electric charging stations, a sheltered bus stop, and a total of 201 parking spots. It’s open 24/7, according to information found on mass.gov, and allows for free overnight parking at individuals’ own risk.
Carpoolers and vanpoolers are welcome to use the location, according to mass.gov.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford Park and Ride gets new solar canopy to save money