University of Massachusetts Amherst
IN-4: Innovation 4

In September, 2013, the University of Massachusetts entered into a new partnership with the Net Excess Generation Credit program offered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that could amount to nearly $50 million in energy savings for the system. Under the agreement, four UMass campuses serve as host communities to new Solar Photovoltaic (Solar PV) electric generating projects. In return, the campuses receive an energy credit on their monthly utility bill. The UMass system has installed more than the total amount of Solar PV systems installed in 35 of the 50 U.S. states (40 MWs of new Solar PV made possible by the participation of the Amherst, Dartmouth, Lowell and Worcester campuses.) Specific to UMass Amherst, a solar project which came online at the Fairview Farm in Whately, MA in July, 2014, will save the University of Massachusetts between $60,000 and $75,000 a year in electric costs as well as help the farmer leasing his land and the town. The installation will produce 2.4 megawatts of solar energy a year, and provide enough solar energy annually to power what is the equivalent of the needs of nearly 300 homes. All the electricity produced is being sold to UMass. The project is also a tax benefit to Whately. Farmers here have three to four month periods of no income, and the regular income from this project will help even out the seasonal variability. Statewide and system wide, a portion of the cost savings will be used to finance additional energy efficiency measures that will enable UMass to further reduce energy use, lower greenhouse gas emissions and help control energy costs. Over the next 20 to 30 years, the net metering program will provide an estimated $47.7 million in savings for the University of Massachusetts.