Pittsfield Airport Solar Panels to Generate Millions
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Solar panels at the Pittsfield Municipal Airport will generate millions over the next two decades.
On Monday, the ceremonial switch was flipped on 17.7 acres of solar fields at the airport on Tamarack Road. This project has been in progress since 2016, and the panels have been active since December.
"Through the agreement we negotiated, this project will generate approximately $3 million over the next 20 years from the lease and taxes that will be collected," Mayor Peter Marchetti said.
"Even though we have not seen a full year of data for power generation, we anticipate these panels will generate approximately six megawatts of electricity that will be added to the grid. This new renewable source of power will also help the city offset our electricity costs. From what we are seeing so far, trends seem to be producing positive results, and we are hopeful that this will continue."
Officials including state Rep. Tricia Farley Bouvier, District Attorney Timothy Shugrue, and a representative from U.S. Rep. Richard Neal's office joined the event. Afterwards, a cake with the airport's colors was cut.
For Airport Manager Anita Akor, this project represents a commitment to sustainability, responsible use of public resources, and the facility's continued growth and success.
"The completion of the solar installation reflects what can be accomplished through partnership, planning, and a shared vision of the airport," she said.
Pittsfield residences and businesses can also participate in the municipal aggregation program, which allows communities to combine the purchasing power of residents and businesses to have an alternative electricity supplier at a locked-in rate.
"This provides residents and businesses with the stability within the market for the supply of electricity, rather than having to be subject to change every six months," Marchetti said.
"Since implementation in 2018, the aggregation customers have saved over $19 million. These savings make a difference, and we must continue to work with the commonwealth and other stakeholders to keep all our utility costs controlled."
As Pittsfield assesses city resources, examines the potential reuse of vacant municipal buildings, and implements new programs to save money, he said this project created a path to convert undeveloped land that was not providing any financial benefit to the city and airport.
Airport Commissioner Thomas Hardy, speaking on behalf of Chair Thomas Sakshaug, explained that eight to 10 proposals were first reviewed a decade ago; Navisun LLC, formerly Oakleaf Solar, was chosen as the contractor.
"The solar panels are now a welcome runway neighbor," he said.
"The monies collected from renting this land are shared equally by the airport and the city. Further discounted electrical power is bestowed upon us."
The process saw many hurdles, two different mayors, and five airport managers. Planners remained diligent in seeing this project through, working with solar developers and other stakeholders to secure the necessary land agreements, prepare for site construction, and later installation, he said.
Hardy reported that because of limitations and endless changes in various state solar programs, the project kept being delayed. At one point, they thought that the project was probably dead.
"However, through committed effort, it came back to life. There were further problems and delays, but we finally have our Earhart and Doolittle solar fields with battery storage," he added.
Marchetti said Pittsfield has a history of finding ways it can help residents and businesses with utility costs. While this solar array contributes to the city's renewable energy options on the grid, he knows there is still much work ahead to sustain long-term growth.
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