Healthy Planet Partners and Solaire Generation on 11 August "flipped the switch" on the Northeastern United States’ largest garage mounted solar canopy at Boston Properties’ Bay Colony. The solar canopy covers 60,000 square feet, or 1.4 acres, atop the 950 Winter Street parking garage.
The project, which included the installation of 2,850 panels and nearly 300 tons of steel, is projected to produce more than one million kWh of renewable power annually -- enough energy to offset 340 metric tons of CO2 or power 130 Massachusetts homes.
In addition to generating clean energy at a discounted rate to the customers at Bay Colony, the canopies protect employees and visitors at 950 Winter Street from the elements.
“HPP is extremely proud of this partnership with Boston Properties, a leading commercial REIT in the US,” said Michael Richter, managing partner of Healthy Planet Partners. “This significant solar project illustrates a strong commitment to efficient and sustainable operation of buildings and facilities. This effort should serve as a model for the utilization of parking garages across Massachusetts and beyond.”
Bryan Koop, senior vice president and regional manager of Boston Properties, said the project contributes to the state's goal of achieving 1,600 MW of installed solar power by 2020. Also, with the commissioning of this solar canopy, the company's properties now host 950 kW of solar installations.