Solar attractive for all types of businesses

Solar continues to experience tremendous growth in Mass., as incentives and attractive pricing on panels and installation make it a smart business decision to invest in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The growth is not centered on any particular type of business; companies across a wide range of industries are finding solar a terrific way to show their support for the environment, save money and generate new revenue. Let's take a look at the types of businesses and organizations that are deploying solar energy solutions in Massachusetts and how they're benefiting from doing so. Commercial Real Estate: Motivated by its desire to help the environment, as well as control facility and tenant costs across its properties in the MetroWest Boston area, Capital Group Properties, a property management and real estate development firm, has deployed two solar PV systems: a 140 kilowatt (KW) solar array at an office and light industrial property in Acton, and a 1 megawatt (MW) land-based system in Southborough. At both locations, Capital is not only covering a significant portion of its common area electrical use, but it has used net metering, which allows companies to receive credit for electricity generated in excess of what is consumed, to power other portions of the campuses. Automotive: The Herb Connolly Auto Group, a Boston MetroWest Acura, Chevrolet and Hyundai auto dealer, installed new solar energy systems at its dealerships. The two rooftop systems, plus a third newly installed solar carport and electric vehicle charging station, total more than 400 kW of solar electricity. The solar arrays have already helped the company to save over $10,000 in electricity costs over the past year, and are expected to help the company trim its electric bills by 50%. Education: Stonehill College, located in Easton, deployed one of the largest solar installations on a college campus in New England: a 2.7 MW pole-mounted solar array that will cover 20% of the college's electricity use. The solar array - the first in a series of three systems that will ultimately include rooftop installations across the campus - encompasses 15 acres and is a major part of the college's "Stonehill Goes Green" sustainability initiative. Manufacturing: Millbury-based Discover Marble & Granite, which specializes in residential and commercial interior stonework, embodies the vision of a sustainable company. Deploying a 133 kW solar PV system on the roof of its office and showroom has added to its list of green initiatives. The solar system satisfies 80% of the company's electricity need, with anticipated annual savings of $20,000. The list doesn't stop there. Non-profits, churches, small businesses, athletic facilities, construction companies, and even town governments - all have benefitted from renewable solar energy. Talking with an experienced solar developer can help you determine if solar might be a fit for your business as well. James Dumas is principal of Solect Energy Development LLC of Hopkinton, Mass. and is a contributing author for the New England Real Estate Journal's Green Building section.