April 17, 2007
NSTAR and Evergreen Solar, Inc., a manufacturer of
solar power products, today announced an alliance
designed to increase the role of solar power in eastern
Massachusetts. The alliance will leverage Evergreen
Solar’s unique String Ribbon™ solar power technology
with NSTAR’s expertise, capabilities, and customer
relationships to promote cost-effective solar options
for consumers.
"This relationship with a utility can dramatically improve solar market delivery and significantly accelerate closing the gap between solar and conventional energy costs. NSTAR has ideal infrastructure to reduce the non-hardware portion of solar system costs," said Richard M. Feldt, Evergreen Solar's President and Chief Executive Officer. "This vision has been central in Evergreen's strategy and we are very pleased to have NSTAR join in this vision and appreciate very much Governor Deval Patrick's work to help us create this important alliance."
“This program with Evergreen Solar will expand renewable energy choices for our customers by making solar installations more accessible and affordable,” said Thomas J. May, NSTAR Chairman, President and CEO. “Customer interest in clean energy options is growing, and we are committed to offering them an increasing number of options to choose from.”
NSTAR’s goal is to help lower the overall cost of solar energy generation, and increase the awareness of solar for its customers. NSTAR can positively influence the cost of solar installations and service by promoting standardized systems installed by pre-approved solar contractors. The company has years of experience developing and running successful energy efficiency programs and will therefore be the natural contact point for customers interested in installing solar equipment through this and other potential alliances.
NSTAR will also bring significant value to related efforts such as market research, marketing and promotion, lead development, sales support, and standardized system development. Customer follow-up, evaluation, and service will also be provided by NSTAR and its contractors.
This alliance will benefit from the announcement today by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick of an innovative and expanded solar incentive program for the state comprising a commitment by the Commonwealth to work toward aggressive goals for installed solar power generating capacity – from roughly 2 MW today to 250 MW by the end of 2017 – by strategic use of renewable energy funds and additional regulatory incentives for solar power adoption by residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
About Evergreen Solar, Inc.
Evergreen Solar, Inc. develops, manufactures and
markets solar power products using proprietary, low-cost
manufacturing technologies. The Company’s patented
crystalline silicon technology, known as String Ribbon,
uses significantly less silicon than conventional
approaches. Evergreen Solar’s products provide reliable
and environmentally clean electric power for residential
and commercial applications globally. For more
information about the company, please visit
www.evergreensolar.com.
About NSTAR
NSTAR transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas
to 1.4 million customers in Eastern and Central
Massachusetts, including more than one million electric
distribution customers in 81 communities and nearly
300,000 natural gas distribution customers in 51
communities.
