From Allard’s Farm to the University of Massachusetts Amherst – A Solar Farming Success
A stunning three megawatt solar system is making great use of previously underutilized land on the Goulet family’s farm in Hadley, MA. The project brings consistent year-round income to Allard’s Farm – home of the renowned Maple Valley Creamery – and generates reliable solar energy to offset the electricity costs of the nearby University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
UMass Amherst has been actively working towards its Climate Action Plan since 2010. They have been making great strides towards their goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Through a net metering credit agreement with the Hadley solar project, Nexamp was able to help UMass take another leap toward their sustainability goals, while recognizing substantial electricity savings.
Now, a year after the commissioning of the Allard’s Farm array, the Goulet’s are working with Nexamp on a second solar project. This time, we are excited to announce that residents, businesses, and non-profits in these towns are all eligible to participate in the project through Nexamp’s Solarize My Bill program. Eligible participants can save 15% on their electricity costs just by signing up – all at no cost and requiring no equipment! Find out more here.
From the Blog: 11 Hidden Solar Gems in Massachusetts
After a record-breaking 110.3 inches of snow in Boston this winter, the spring and sun are welcome reminders that Massachusetts remains among the nation’s best markets for solar energy. Currently ranked #4 according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Massachusetts has solar panels popping up in places you may least expect. Check out these 11 solar solutions found all across the Bay State.
Strawberry Stroll – Franklin MA
Join Nexamp next month for the 12th Annual Strawberry Stroll in Franklin, MA. The summer kickoff event will take place on Thursday, June 11 from 4-7pm. Please come and enjoy live music, featured artists, a strawberry shortcake booth, and plenty of local vendors! Nexamp will be busy accepting reservations for our much-anticipated community solar project to be built this year in Sutton. Spots are filling up fast – find out if you are eligible at our Solarize My Bill program page!
Come and see us out at Events throughout the state!
Nexamp Employee Highlight
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Ben Axelman
Manager of Solar Development
Ben is a project developer at Nexamp, responsible for finding quality sites for solar projects and bringing them to “shovel-ready” status. From negotiating lease agreements to obtaining permits from town and state agencies, Ben’s day-to-day work can vary between running financial models, climbing on roofs, and presenting in front of small town planning boards.
I’ve been interested in solar energy my whole life-my best friend growing up lived in an off-the-grid house powered by a pair of used solar panels, with an inverter and car batteries running in their basement. While the technology was not as reliable as it is now-all of the lights in the house would dim when someone flushed the toilet-I saw firsthand what solar energy could accomplish.
Nexamp has a much-deserved reputation as one of the most successful and dynamic solar companies in New England. I wanted to be surrounded by experts who would help me build as much clean energy as possible and learn along the way.
It’s very satisfying being able to see projects that you worked on once they’re turned on and generating clean power. These projects are beneficial to the environment and the climate; to the economies of struggling towns; and to the land and building owners who host them. It’s wonderful being able to help accomplish something meaningful.
I enjoy biking, going to concerts, building boats, and the Boston Red Sox.