Ameresco, an energy efficiency and renewables company, has partnered with the Westport, Massachusetts, to install a 622-kWdc ground-mounted solar PV system at the town’s closed landfill. Ameresco will be responsible for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of the solar farm, at its own expense.
“Using the closed landfill for a solar project has been an objective of the town, the Board of Selectmen and the Energy Committee for 10 years,” said town administrator Tim King. “The town is utilizing a non-productive asset for a revenue-generating activity…furthering our energy goals by supporting a renewable energy source on town property. We have been very pleased with this partnership. Ameresco has been a supportive and collaborative partner to us throughout the entire process.”
As part of this agreement, Ameresco is leasing the land housing the solar panels from Westport and making an annual Payment In Lieu of Taxes to the town. Westport did not put up any capital and will not need to expend any operating funds tied to the project.
“The town of Westport is doing what other innovative and resourceful towns and municipalities should do, which is to think about ways to generate revenue,” said David J. Anderson, executive VP and director at Ameresco. “At the same time, Westport is prioritizing renewable energy and creatively utilizing underleveraged space — a closed landfill — that has little other opportunities for development or revenue generation. Other communities should look to The town of Westport as an example of both fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship.”
The project is anticipated to reach commercial operation in August 2019. Utility Eversource Energy will purchase energy generated from the landfill solar project.
News item from Ameresco
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