North Adams, Mass, will soon have a 2.1 MW solar power project over 12 acres of landfill owned by it.
The city has chosen Alteris Renewables and BlueWave Capital from among the total of 11 applicants. The solar project is anticipated to generate enough energy to meet nearly 35% power requirement of the city and will allow it to save a minimum of $35,000 every on its power costs.
According to Richard J. Alcombright, Mayor of the City, the project will not cost a dime for the city. The contract will allow the city to lease the 12 acre land owned by it to Alteris Renewables and its partners Tighe & Bond and ConEdison Solutions for a period of 20 years for a nominal annual lease fee of $1. Alteris Renewables will invest and complete the solar installation and will allow the city to buy a chunk of the power generated at a reduced rate, which is anticipated to be below the prevailing market rate.
Alteris Renewables will be completing the required state level permissions before commencing the construction. The solar project will utilize a ballast type of installation that does not require land penetration. The project is anticipated to get completed and start generating power by November 2012. Excess power generated from the project will be linked to the National Grid.
Source: http://www.alterisinc.com/