January 7, 2010 — Press Release
BOSTON — State Representative Jennifer Benson (D-Lunenburg) today announced that the town of Harvard has been awarded $35,707.26 from the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust for a project that furthers the Commonwealth's clean energy goals.
This grant will go towards installing a 5.3 kW solar photovoltaic array at the Bromfield school. The system will both reduce the school's energy costs and serve as an educational tool to teach students about clean energy technology.
The funding comes as a result of efforts by citizens of Harvard to purchase clean energy through their electric utility bills, which generated matching funds from the Trust for use toward clean energy projects.
"This grant will go a long way in helping Harvard reduce their energy bills and their carbon footprint" said Benson. "That the system will be installed at the Bromfield school will help remind students of the importance and benefits of clean technology."
Dozens of other communities are also using this matching funding for projects such as solar electric arrays, solar trash compactors, renewable energy educational materials, and other renewable energy projects and related materials.
"These communities are green leaders; it's wonderful that they are implementing clean energy projects that their residents, businesses, and public officials can see in practice," said Trust Executive Director Carter Wall. "The Trust is proud to support these communities, and we hope that these projects will help generate ideas for other renewable energy endeavors."
"We commend these communities, and encourage all Massachusetts towns and cities to look into becoming Green Communities under the Green Communities Act of 2008," said Phil Giudice, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). "With assistance from the state, communities can learn about and implement energy solutions, including energy efficiency measures and renewable energy projects."
Learn more about clean energy assistance available for Massachusetts towns and cities by visiting DOER's Green Communities website: www.mass.gov/doer.
