Evergreen Solar, Inc., a manufacturer of solar power products, and NSTAR, an electric and gas delivery company based in Boston, today announced an alliance designed to increase the role of solar power in Eastern Massachusetts. The alliance will leverage Evergreen Solar’s String Ribbon solar power technology with NSTAR’s expertise, capabilities and customer relationships to promote cost-effective solar options for consumers.

“This relationship with a utility can dramatically improve solar market delivery and significantly accelerate closing the gap between solar and conventional energy costs,” said Richard M. Feldt, Chairman, President and CEO of Evergreen Solar. “NSTAR has ideal infrastructure to reduce the non-hardware portion of solar system costs. This vision has been central in Evergreen Solar’s strategy, and we are very pleased to have NSTAR join in this vision and appreciate very much Governor Deval Patrick’s work to help us create this important alliance.”

“This program with Evergreen Solar will expand renewable energy choices for our customers by making solar installations more accessible and affordable,” said Thomas J. May, NSTAR Chairman, President and CEO. “Customer interest in clean energy options is growing, and we are committed to offering them an increasing number of options to choose from.”

NSTAR’s goal is to help lower the overall cost of solar energy generation, and increase the awareness of solar for its customers. NSTAR can positively influence the cost of solar installations and service by promoting standardized systems installed by pre-approved solar contractors. The company has years of experience developing and running successful energy efficiency programs and will therefore be the natural contact point for customers interested in installing solar equipment through this and other potential alliances. NSTAR will also bring significant value to related efforts such as market research, marketing and promotion, lead development, sales support, and standardized system development. Customer follow-up, evaluation, and service will also be provided by NSTAR and its contractors.

This alliance will benefit from the announcement today by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick of an innovative and expanded solar incentive program for the state comprising a commitment by the Commonwealth to work toward aggressive goals for installed solar power generating capacity – from roughly 2 MW today to 250 MW by the end of 2017 – by strategic use of renewable energy funds and additional regulatory incentives for solar power adoption by residential, commercial, and industrial customers.

Evergreen Solar Inc. will build a new $150 million manufacturing plant in Westborough that would create more than 350 new jobs and boost Massachusetts’ push to become a major alternative-energy center, Gov. Deval Patrick announced today.
“I’ve said all along, if Massachusetts can get clean energy technology right, the world will be our customer,” Patrick said in a statement.
The Marlborough-based Evergreen, which will more than double its state employment with the planned expansion, will build the new facility with the help of a $44 million state financial package that includes grants, low-interest loans and a 30-year lease of state land. (via)