The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center announced Wednesday that 18 Harvard residents or businesses have contracted with New England Breeze to install solar photovoltaic systems through MassCEC's Solarize Mass pilot project. Because the projects exceed 100 kilowatts of solar energy, residents and business owners can now install solar at further discounted rates through Solarize Mass, MassCEC said in its statement Wednesday.

"Congratulations to the town of Harvard for surpassing this milestone, ensuring the community lower price points on solar power that will likely spur even greater adoption of solar power," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., who chairs the MassCEC board, in Wednesday's statement. "As of today, Massachusetts has nearly 60 megawatts of solar power installed—and Solarize Mass is another way we are spreading the solar revolution across the state."

"Solarize Massachusetts is not only teaching residents and business owners in these four towns that solar energy is a viable way to manage energy costs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but it is also helping drive down costs of solar across the state," said MassCEC Executive Director Patrick Cloney in the same statement. "I am thrilled to see the level of enthusiasm that these four communities have shown towards their clean energy future."

As part of the Solarize Mass pilot MassCEC issued a request for proposals for bulk purchasing business models from solar integrators in which installation costs are based on a tiered structure that provides lower costs with increased capacity of solar installed within the community. New England Breeze was selected as the Solarize installer for Harvard and is the first installer to reach 100 kilowatts through the program.

MassCEC's Solarize Mass team, New England Breeze, and Harvard residents who have already contracted to install solar will hold a third and final event called Solarize NOW on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Harvard Soccer Fields, 56 Depot Road. The Solarize Mass and New England Breeze teams will be on site to answer solar questions.

MassCEC said residents are encouraged to bring their utility bill to get an instant solar assessment, and enter to win an additional $500 rebate through Solarize Mass. Solarize Mass participants must sign a contract to install solar by Sept. 30 to obtain group purchasing discounts.

For more information on Solarize Mass visit www.masscec.com/solarizemass.

"It's terrific that Harvard has achieved this milestone in the Solarize Massachusetts program. It demonstrates Harvard's continued commitment to renewable energy programs and a clean energy future," said Harvard Selectman Timothy Clark in Wednesday's statement.

—Harvard Press staff report