These projects include a 3MW project in Millbury and a 14MW project at three sites in the town of Warren.
Borrego Solar Systems, which is responsible for construction of the projects, has started work early this month and expects complete and commission by June 2014.
The projects will supply their output to Lowell and Medical Center campuses under a power purchase agreement with the University of Massachusetts (UMass), which can save over $1m in annual energy costs. The agreement is part of an UMass initiative to reduce its energy costs and carbon footprint.
Besides, the towns of Orange and Millbury have agreed to purchase a smaller portion of the energy generated by the projects through net metering agreements with the company. The two towns will realize more than $85,000 and $110,000 in annual electricity savings, respectively.
The projects, which secured a term facility loan from KeyBank National Association and tax equity from U.S. Bank, will create around 85 construction-related jobs and inject investment in the local businesses of Massachusetts.
Additionally, the company will pay $130,000 and $50,000 in taxes annually for Warren and Millbury communities, respectively, and has committed to contribute conservation land within those communities.
