Massachusetts-based installer Nexamp and Mohegan Council, Boy Scouts of America announced the start of operations of the 6-MW solar facility at the Treasure Valley Scout Reservation in Rutland, Mass. The project – among the largest solar arrays in New England – will provide a steady source of income for the Boy Scouts as well as substantial savings for local municipalities.
“This project was made possible with the help of our adult volunteers who saw the opportunity to bring solar energy to the scouts. They found Nexamp and shepherded this initiative from great idea through to operational facility,” said Scout Executive Jeff Hotchkiss. “Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated volunteers and Nexamp, we are able to enhance our educational programs for our scouts and the community, and the steady source of revenue will allow us to grow and do more scouting.”
The Mohegan Council Boy Scouts will use the income generated from the project to maintain and improve facilities, campsites, and equipment for their ever-expanding educational programs. Mohegan Council has also seized the opportunity to use the solar facility as a teaching tool in the alternative energy modules for 5th grade science, technical high schools and Boy Scouts of America’s STEM NOVA program.
The project will produce enough electricity annually to power nearly 1,000 homes and generate long-term savings through net metering credits to the direct benefit of local municipalities, including the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District, the Dudley Charlton Regional School District, and the Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District. Together, they expect to save over $250,000 in annual electricity costs.
Nexamp developed, designed and constructed the 19,063 panel ground-mounted array. Construction began this past November and continued throughout one of the harshest winters in recent years. “As a Massachusetts company, Nexamp is extremely proud of this landmark project and grateful for the opportunity to work closely with these municipalities and other forward-thinking partners like the Boy Scouts,” said Zaid Ashai, Chairman and CEO of Nexamp. He added, “The project exemplifies the successful public-private partnerships that can be achieved through smart policy like we see from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources and Governor Patrick’s administration.”