Massachusetts Town Turns Closed Landfill into Solar Energy Generation Station

Ameresco, Inc., an energy efficiency and renewable energy company, today announced that it has partnered with the Town of Westport, Massachusetts to install a 622 KW-dc ground-mounted solar panel system at Westport’s closed landfill. Ameresco will be responsible for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of the solar farm, at its own expense. As part of this agreement, Ameresco is leasing the land housing the solar panels from Westport and making an annual Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) to the town. Westport did not put up any capital and will not need to expend any operating funds tied to the project. “Using the closed landfill for a solar project has been an objective of the Town, the Board of Selectmen and the Energy Committee for 10 years,” said Town Administrator Tim King. “The Town is utilizing a non-productive asset (the closed landfill) for a revenue-generating activity. The Town is furthering our energy goals by supporting a renewable energy source on town property. We have been very pleased with this partnership. Ameresco has been a supportive and collaborative partner to us throughout the entire process.”