Gov. Patrick visits solar panels at Salem State

On the roof of Atlantic Hall, Gov. Deval Patrick inspects a solar panel installation on Salem State University’s Central Campus. Salem State University President Patricia Maguire Meservey, Rep. John Tierney and Rep. John Keenan, right, joined the governor.

The following is a press release from Salem State University:

As part of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s Massachusetts Recovery Plan to secure the state’s economic future, Governor Deval Patrick today visited solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed at Salem State University in Salem, where he highlighted dramatic growth in the Mass solar PV industry since the launch of the Commonwealth Solar program in 2008.
 
The Patrick-Murray Administration’s emphasis on solar power, spurred by Governor Patrick’s goal of 250 megawatts (MW) installed by 2017 has catalyzed the growth of a vibrant solar industry in Mass. According to a recent survey of clean energy companies conducted by the Mass Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), employment in solar manufacturing, installation and services has nearly tripled since Governor Patrick first took office, from 1,200 jobs in 2007 to roughly 3,000 expected by the end of 2010. Solar manufacturing jobs alone have jumped from 750 in 2007 to 2,000 in 2010.
 
“Clean energy technology is a huge economic opportunity for Massachusetts, and our success in solar power is a prime example of that,” said Governor Patrick. “We are using all the levels at our disposal to make solar power and option for residents, businesses and institutions, and then meet the demand with Mass-made products installed by Mass workers.”
 
In 2009, Salem State completed the installation of a 68 kW PV array on Atlantic Hall, a dormitory built in 2004 on a former industrial site. The PV system was installed by Mass-based Broadway Electrical, and was funded by MassCEC’s Commonwealth Solar rebate program and by the Division of Capital Asset Management through Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs). Salem State is also in the process of installing another 148 kW solar PV system using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.