Solar Energy is Not Just for the Wealthy Anymore

Since alternative energy sources typically cost more than carbon-based electricity, powering your home with solar energy is often considered a luxury, something only the wealthy can afford. But, thanks to California-based solar energy company SunEdison, 16 low-income housing projects across Massachusetts will soon get electricity almost solely from solar power.

SunEdison announced in December that the company signed power purchase agreements with 16 public housing authorities across Massachusetts, totaling 39.5 megawatts.

Housing authorities in New Bedford, Brockton, Somerville, Barnstable, Fairhaven, Fall River, Gardner, Leominster, Northampton, Plymouth, Somerset and Winchendon will benefit from the contracts, which SunEdison estimates will save Massachusetts $60 million over the next 20 years.

Using solar power instead of carbon-based power for these housing units will also reduce the state’s CO2 emissions by 1 million tons, the equivalent of taking 200,000 cars off the road, SunEdison said.

More than 10 solar systems will be, or already have been, installed over the next 12 to 18 months, according to Green Biz. Some housing projects will run off solar power generated on their rooftops, while others will use power generated at other sites.

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