The state has opened bidding for the installation of solar power at 12 water and wastewater treatment plants, including locations in Ashland, Holden, Marlborough, Millbury and Townsend.
The projects will generate 4 megawatts of solar power and are being funded with $185 million in federal stimulus money through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
State Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs officials expect the 12 water and wastewater facilities to cut conventional energy use by 4.5 million kilowatt hours per year as a result of the solar installations.
That’s roughly equivalent to the amount of power used by 600 households per year and an annual savings of nearly $650,000.
Bids for the projects are being solicited by DOER. Bidders have until Nov. 4 to submit bids. A contractor will be chosen by the end of November and contracts are expected to be signed for individual projects by mid-January.
