BlueWave, a Boston-based renewable energy company and certified B Corp, announced the completion of five innovative dual-use solar projects across Massachusetts. These projects, part of the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program, are located in Palmer, Haverhill, Dighton and Douglas. Together, they add 19.8 MWDC of solar generation and 29.7 MWhr of storage capacity to the state’s electric grid, effectively reducing carbon emissions by approximately 13,000 tons per year.
Trevor Hardy, CEO and co-founder of BlueWave, emphasized the company’s commitment to community and sustainability. “Serving our surrounding communities is in our DNA and continues to be the driving force behind the decisions we make to develop solar energy,” Hardy explained. “The energy generated by these projects ensures greater access to community solar initiatives and supports farmers’ continued success on their land.”
Massachusetts is moving closer to its statewide goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and renewable energy sources like BlueWave’s solar and solar-plus-storage projects are playing a central role in achieving that goal. Governor Maura Healey praised the projects, noting, “Agrivoltaic projects like these align our clean energy goals with protecting our agricultural traditions. Congratulations to BlueWave for launching this initiative and to the cities of Dighton, Douglas, Haverhill and Palmer for their efforts to combat climate change and lower energy costs for residents.”
The projects are designed to integrate agricultural operations beneath the solar installations, a method known as agrivoltaics. BlueWave worked closely with local farmers to implement these dual-use practices and ensure that the land remains fully agricultural. The sites grow a variety of crops and livestock, contributing to the resilience of rural communities.
Nathan L’Etoile of the American Farmland Trust (AFT) emphasized the importance of agrivoltaics in advancing a just energy transition. “Agrivoltaics offers a path to a clean, just energy transition, supporting farmers and landowners while keeping Massachusetts’ precious farmland in production,” said L’Etoile.
In addition to these projects, Lowell General Hospital has partnered with BlueWave as an anchor customer for the Palmer and Haverhill locations. This collaboration allows low-income residents to participate in clean energy initiatives, reducing financial barriers to accessing renewable energy. Under the agreement, Lowell General Hospital will receive 50% of the project’s energy capacity in the form of credits toward the community’s solar power bill, helping to offset operating costs and invest in additional sustainability projects.
Commenting on the partnership, Kevin Foley, Director of Operations and Real Estate at Lowell General Hospital, said, “As the lead customer of a community solar project with BlueWave, we can support our community while reducing costs through cutting-edge renewable solar energy technology.”
The new solar projects are expected to be operational by the end of 2024. BlueWave is also expanding its activities beyond Massachusetts: There are currently nearly 500 MWDC of solar projects in active development in 11 states.
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