Last month, I discussed the Green Communities Act (GCA)—a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to reduce energy consumption and spur clean energy technology in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As a result, many developers who have experience in clean energy applications have flocked to the state to market and invest in the relatively untapped renewables sector.

The state's available opportunities caught the eye of Ken Anno, CIC Energy Construction & Supply, LLC, a Chicago-based energy service provider and general contractor specializing in the development and implementation of commercial and industrial-scale energy efficient and renewable solar PV projects. Through a mutual connection, CIC Energy and Dewberry were introduced, and began strategizing prospective partnerships.

Strategy and Forecasting

Wanting to get involved and knowing where to start are often not one and the same. With our clean energy technologies and telecommunications expertise, we had the tools to perform the job, as well as extensive knowledge of many rooftops in the area, but still needed a better handle of what exactly it took to get a solar PV array designed and permitted in Massachusetts.

Considering all available subsidies and incentives, we analyzed the size and type of system that would achieve an acceptable rate of return on investment with minimal risk to investors. A primary concern was determining the extent of regulatory agencies whose jurisdiction these types of projects would fall under. One of the most valuable resources we found to aid us in the pursuit was the Solar Boston Permitting Guide, generated by the City of Boston. The guide outlines the streamlined permitting rules for solar photovoltaic systems, particularly for residential applications.

Site Selection

Once we understood most of the hurdles we might encounter, the CIC-Energy/Dewberry team investigated sites that met basic criteria: Good southern sun exposure, acceptable roof capacity, and reasonable opportunity for net metering. The newly-rehabbed 7,000 SF roof at 547 Albany Street in Boston's South End neighborhood fit the bill. After preliminary assessments by Dewberry's structural and electrical engineers, the building was found to be capable of handling both the additional weight of the panels and proposed load on the electrical system. The building owner provided input on the best internal use of the new power—and the plan was set.

Although local, state, and federal incentives can contribute thousands of dollars to the bottom line, the opportunity to "make the math work" for solar projects lies in the ability to recognize and avoid costly pitfalls along the way. Once challenges are understood, and initial investment hurdles are overcome, the rewards begin to materialize, enabling utilization of clean energy sources that can double as a revenue stream for years to come.