Solar Farms in the Truest Sense: BlueWave Starts Five Agrivoltaic Projects Across Massachusetts
Renewable developer BlueWave has introduced new solar and storage combination energy projects sited on farms across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The agrivoltiac projects, owned and operated by BlueWave, are located in Palmer, Haverhill, Dighton and Douglas, and will add 19.8 MW of generation and 29.7 MWh of storage to the power grid. They are forecast to offset the equivalent of 13,000 tons of carbon emissions avoided annually.
The projects within the portfolio are expected to be operational by the end of 2024.
BlueWave worked directly with farmers to implement dual-use practices offering real benefits to all parties impacted by the projects, including landowners, farmers, and surrounding community members, according to the company. Each of the solar projects will ensure uninterrupted farming operations beneath the solar arrays with sites comprising of different selection of crops and pollinator-friendly livestock grazing operations.
Lowell General Hospital will serve as an anchor customer for BlueWave’s two project sites in Palmer and Haverhill to help low-income residents engage in clean energy opportunities, especially, eliminating a financial barrier to support in-state clean energy generation and lowering utility bills.
The hospital will receive 50 percent of the project's energy capacity in the form of community solar bill credits. These credits will be applied to offset their operation's costs and invest in sustainability projects as well as ensure the solar farm remains operational for the intended lifespan.
BlueWave is working to develop projects both within the Commonwealth and in surrounding states. The company has secured future solar project sites in 11 states with nearly 500 MW solar in active development.
The company several years ago worked with solar power producer Navisun to develop and commission a 4.2-MW solar agrivoltiac project at a wild blueberry farm in Maine.
