"National Grid proposes more solar power" by Erin Ailworth, Globe Staff | October 2, 2008
National Grid's more than 1 million Massachusetts customers may soon have the option of using power generated by the sun.
Under a proposal expected to be filed with the state today, the utility company next year wants to install five megawatts of solar capacity on properties it owns, which could generate enough electricity to power 1,200 homes. It also is seeking to lease rooftop space from large commercial customers for solar panels and eventually wants to help residential customers install and maintain solar panels on their homes.
The commercial and residential portions of National Grid's proposal are still in the planning stages, and officials do not know when they will begin offering a solar option to all customers. However, on the residential side, National Grid officials say the company will guide customers through the installation process, which can often be complicated and costly.
Why?
A typical home solar installation - generating 3,000 to 5,000 watts - would cost $18,000 to $35,000, based on a $6 to $7 per watt estimate, according to Richard M. Feldt, head of Evergreen Solar of Marlborough.
Feldt said he has long favored enlisting utilities to help solar power become a mainstream energy source on par with natural gas and electricity. "Utilities are in an ideal position," said Feldt. "They already have an infrastructure in place to market, sell, and install solar."
Oh, THAT is why it is taking SO LONG!
Ian Bowles, the state's secretary of energy and environmental affairs, called National Grid's plan "impressive" in terms of scale. --more--"
