Boston, MA Establishes "Solar Boston"

Type: Program

Status: Established in June 2007

Source File: http://www.cityofboston.gov/climate/solar.asp

Description:

In June 2007, the City of Boston became one of thirteen inaugural Solar America Cities under the Solar America Initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) (see background info tab for more) and launched Solar Boston, a half-million-dollar program to encourage widespread adoption of solar energy in Boston . Through Solar Boston, the City will:

• Develop a strategy for the installation of solar technology throughout Boston , including mapping feasible locations, preparing a project-labor agreement, and planning the city-wide bulk purchase, financing, and installation of solar technology

• Work with local organizations to maximize Boston 's participation in state incentive programs and innovative financing initiatives

• Create a successor non-profit organization to implement the long-term goals of the partnership in cooperation with the Boston Energy Alliance

Solar Boston partners include DOE, the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, local utilities and unions, an anonymous foundation, and a broad range of local, regional, and national clean energy stakeholders.

On January 10, 2008, Solar Boston sponsored a workshop entitled, "Thinking BIG about Boston's Solar Energy Future" to discuss how state, utility, and municipal programs can work together.