A brownfield solar project in Woburn, Massachusetts, is poised to have a significant impact on the city of Somerville by offsetting its electricity costs and furthering its climate action objectives. Standard Solar recently finished a 4-MW solar array at the Woburn EPA Superfund site near Somerville.
Standard Solar acquired the project from ECA Solar, a Massachusetts-based commercial solar developer. The ground-mount project is divided into two arrays, totaling 4 MW. The first phase, which is 3.35 MW, has been completed, and the remaining 0.866 MW in Phase II is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
Harry Benson, director of business development at Standard Solar, stated, “Standard Solar is privileged to be involved in this transformative journey and is committed to bringing clean and sustainable energy to the core of Massachusetts. We believe that the Industri-Plex project is a testament to the power of innovation, partnership, and dedication to a greener future.”
In 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency approved a Reuse Work Plan for the 4-MW solar facility situated on the east side of the Woburn Superfund site. This groundbreaking project is the result of a collaboration between Standard Solar and ECA Solar.
Benson expressed gratitude for the commitment of ECA Solar in driving forward this impactful project, saying, “Standard Solar greatly appreciates and acknowledges the unwavering commitment of our partner, ECA Solar, in driving forward this impactful project. Together, we are making a difference.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony held on October 4, in partnership with ECA Solar, marked the beginning of a new era for the Woburn Superfund site.
Founder and CEO of ECA Solar, Todd Fryatt, commented, “ECA values its partnership with Standard Solar in completing this, and other, solar projects”, and he adds, “We’re proud of the work we have accomplished at Industri-plex together and are excited to see this project completed, bringing forward a bright future for this site and this community.”
The Industri-Plex, a 245-acre plot of land, holds a special place in New England’s industrial history. Starting as a small settlement in the 1600s, it grew into a major industrial hub during the 1800s, facing numerous challenges along the way. By the 1980s, it had earned the unfortunate distinction of being ranked as the nation’s fifth most polluted site. However, it is now undergoing a revitalization.
Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne emphasized the significance of the solar farm, saying, “This solar farm is the green economy in action, creating green jobs and providing solar credits to cover more than one-third of the electricity used by Somerville’s municipal buildings and functions. For our community, this is more than just a cost savings, it’s an important step forward in our goal to be carbon net negative by 2050. I can’t thank Standard Solar and ECA Solar enough for the good work done here.”
