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BlueWave Celebrates Five Dual-Use Solar Projects in Massachusetts

Author

Slice of Energy Team
August 27, 2024

Key Highlights:

  • BlueWave's five new solar projects under the SMART Program add 19.8 MWDC and 29.7 MWhr of storage.

  • Projects located in Palmer, Haverhill, Dighton, and Douglas contribute to Massachusetts' net-zero emissions goal by 2050.

  • Innovative agrivoltaic designs ensure continued farming operations under solar arrays.

  • Lowell General Hospital partners as anchor customer, supporting low-income residents' access to clean energy.

Source (PR Newswire)

Notable Quotes:

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"The amount of energy that is being generated by these projects is meaningful, ensuring greater access to community solar projects and farmers' continued success with their land."

Trevor Hardy, CEO and Co-Founder at BlueWave
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"Agrivoltaics provides a pathway for a clean, just energy transition, providing renewable energy in a way that uplifts agricultural operations, creates new opportunities for farmers, and enhances the resilience of rural communities."

Nathan L'Etoile, New England Director at American Farmland Trust (AFT)
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"As the anchor customer of a community solar project in partnership with BlueWave, we're able to support our community while lowering costs by utilizing the latest in state-of-the-art renewable solar energy technology, both on and off our campuses."

Kevin Foley, Director of Plant Operations and Property at Lowell General Hospital

Our Take:

The integration of BlueWave's dual-use solar projects within Massachusetts highlights a forward-thinking approach to renewable energy, balancing clean energy production with agricultural preservation. By enabling continued farming activities beneath solar arrays, BlueWave ensures that these projects not only contribute to the state's ambitious net-zero goals but also support the local economy and agricultural heritage. This model of agrivoltaics could set a precedent for future renewable energy developments across the country, offering a sustainable path forward that aligns with environmental and community-focused values.