Letter To The Editor

LETTER: Thank You For Solarizing Hopkinton

The CEO of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center explains why the group purchase was so successful.

To the Editor: Thanks to the people of Hopkinton, Solarize Massachusetts was a resounding success this year. The group purchasing program, which helps to make solar more affordable, is a joint venture of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources launched in 17 communities across the state this year. The program generated 803 solar contracts signed statewide representing 5.1 megawatts of clean, renewable energy. In Hopkinton, residents and businesses have contracted 367.6 kilowatts of new solar, saving hundreds of dollars annually on their electric bills. The program’s local volunteer coordinator, Andy Boyce, was key to this success. Norman Khumalo support was also invaluable to this effort, …

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Solar Energy Is A Big Hit In Hopkinton

Residents and businesses all across town are hopping in to the renewable energy game.

When Andy Boyce, Chairman of the Hopkinton Green Committee, first announced the Solarize Hopkinton program he seemed certain that it would take off in town, and he was right. What he didn’t predict that the program would be an extended through the end of October so more residents could join in on the savings. “We were well on track to reach 150kW [Tier 4] before the extension and we now have an opportunity to make it all the way to tier 5 [the lowest pricing level],” Boyce said last week. Tier 4 has since been reached. Others in town are joining in the solar trend, though not through the Solzarize program. Hopkinton-based Solect announced work with two different churches in town to install solar panels to reduce the energy costs. Let Patch…

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Patch Facts

5 Things: Elite Yoga Instructor, Solarize Update

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. Solarize Hopkinton Extended: It was announced over the weekend that the Solarize program offered through the Mass. Clean Energy Center has ben extended through the end of October. Just as the pricing reached Tier 4 the announcement was made. For more information on the deal email solarizehopkinton@gmail.com. 2. Holliston Company's New Hire: Terracon Corporation recently announced the addition of Jason Kallio to its sales team. Kallio will drive sales of the company's custom fluid management solutions designed for the biopharmaceutical and ultrapure water sectors. If you have a new hire you want to let people know about, or any sort of announcement, it's easy to do. 3. Elite Yoga Teacher in Hopkinton: Hopkinton’s Lesley Reilly, owner of…

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Patch Facts

5 things: Dykema, Spilka Visit Town

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. Farm Tour: Rep. Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston, will be doing a farm tour of the 8th Middlesex District with Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard Sullivan. Dykema and Sullivan will be at Outpost Farm at noon then head to Water Fresh Farms around 1 p.m. 2. Be Prepared: Hopkinton's Boy Scout Troop 1 invites all boys age 11-18 to attend a Monday night meeting in the next few weeks. More information can be found on the Announcements Page. 3. Spilka Distributes Knapsacks: Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, will be at Project Just Because this afternoon to help with promote its back to school fundraiser. Spilka has teamed with Office Depot to make a donation. "Every child deserves to have the support and materials they need to be …

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Patch Facts

5 Things: Snappy Dogs, Isolated Thunderstorms

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. Learn About Nonprofits and Grant Writing: Are you a local high school student looking for leadership opportunities? Applications are now available for Foundation for MetroWest's Youth in Philanthropy program. For more than ten years, we have offered the Youth in Philanthropy program, a hands-on program that teaches high school students the fundamentals of grant making, fundraising, and the nonprofit world, to MetroWest students. This is a unique and exceptional leadership opportunity, especially for those who are thinking about their future beyond high school. More information can be found on the announcements page. 2. Snappy Dog of the Week: Inspired by the construction workers who have been repaving Grove Street, the Senor Beefy is …

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First Contract Signed for Solarize Hopkinton

The contracts have started rolling in and Hopkinton residents are on their way to savings with the group buying program through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.

Submitted by the Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee The Hopkinton Sustainable Green Committee and the Mass Clean Energy Center are pleased to announce that the first contract has been signed under the Solarize Hopkinton program! The Cafazzo family of Old Farm Rd. purchased a 6.87 kW system - choosing to upgrade to the higher efficiency 327 Watt SunPower panels to maximize the harvest on their 500SF south facing roof. The system will be installed by SolarFlair, the designated Solarize installer for the Hopkinton program. The Solarize program is a group purchasing plan open to all residents and businesses in Hopkinton that have viable southern exposure. As more contracts are signed, various tiers of discount are reached and the price …

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Pricing Tiers Announced for Solarize Hopkinton

The installer said they expect the most discounted tier to be reached.

  The process has been going on for several months and after much negotiation Hopkinton residents who are looking to get access to discounted solar energy have access to the pricing structure. There were two options outlined by SolarFlair Energy Vice President Dan Greenwood. The first option is for people who want to purchase the equipment outright. The upfront cost for this is at a basic level $17,000, however owners get many tax benefits and other incentives which can recapture about $5,000 of the cost within the first year. According to Greenwood the break-even point for a basic 5kW/H system (the normal residential size) installation is between two and four years. The other option outlined was for users to enter into a Power Purchase …

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Solarize Hopkinton Announces Panel Installer

On Monday Town Hall and Hopkinton Solar Coach Andy Boyce announced the installer who will be working throughout the town as part of the green energy program.

After weeks of discussions and deliberations, SolarFlair Energy Inc was announced to have executed their contract with the Mass CEC. “Hopkinton’s participation in the Solarize Mass program reflects the community’s commitment to sustainability, continued recognition of its importance and speaks to the community’s resolve and attitude towards fulfilling that commitment,” Board of Selectman Chairman Ben Palleiko said. “We are quite pleased that Hopkinton continues to be recognized as a leader in the state in advancing these and other alternative energy options.”  The Framingham based company will be installing in Hopkinton, as well as other towns participating in the Solarize program. “I am pleased that SolarFlair Energy, a MetroWest based …

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Solarize Hopkinton to Announce Installer Soon

The Solarize Hopkinton group has chosen an installer to work with residents through the green initiative program.

After whittling down the potential installers from ten to four, the Solarize Hopkinton group has picked an installer that will work on houses and businesses in town where owners decide to have solar panels installed. "The selection committee (Solar Coach Andy Boyce, Town Manager Norman Khumalo and Town Engineer Dave Daltorio) along with the Mass Clean Energy Center and an outside tech consultant chose an installer from the ten competitive bids. I can't yet tell you the name and pricing until they finalize the contract with Mass CEC. It will take a few days. I can say we've landed a super attractive pricing structure for both PPA and purchase options with an experienced installer using quality components," A press release from Boyce said. …

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Patch Facts

5 Things: 300 Anniversary Meeting, Solar Powered Church

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. Sharon Timlin 5K: The race is over and the results are in! Check out our photo gallery to see who finished in what place. (Hopkinton High was well represented) 2. Go Green at Church: The Solarize Hopkinton program is about to begin and even though they aren't going through the town's deal local businesses and organizations are going green. The Faith Community Church is getting solar power installed on their roof this week. 3. Hopkinton 300: The anniversary isn't for three years but the planning is well underway. The 300th Anniversary Committee will be meeting tonight at 7 in the Senior Center. They will be discussing a date for the parade during the 2015 celebration. 4. Student Medicine: If you have a student in one of the town's …

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