Marblehead’s commitment to clean energy has taken another step forward with its investment in the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company/Master Sergeant Alexander Cotton Memorial Solar Project in Ludlow.
Spanning 35 acres, this solar project utilizes advanced panels designed to optimize energy production. Marblehead currently holds an 11% stake in the project.
A recent $2.34 million federal tax credit, secured under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, is expected to eliminate three and a half years of debt service costs for participating communities. The credit will reduce the cost of power from the facility by approximately 2 cents per kilowatt hour, making it more financially positive while advancing the town’s clean energy goals.
Although solar energy is slightly more expensive than other sources in Marblehead’s energy mix, the tax credit helps incorporate the project without significantly impacting electricity rates. The facility currently provides around 1.5% of the town’s annual energy needs.
The project began development in 2021 and was energized in 2023. Built on former Westover Air Force Base land, the site retains remnants of Cold War-era military installations. The presence of old bunkers adds historical intrigue to the land’s transformation into a renewable energy hub.
Marblehead’s energy stocks include a mix of nuclear, hydro, wind, and now solar power.
Currently, 42% of the town’s electricity comes from carbon-free sources. The Cotton Solar Project’s contributions complement existing clean energy initiatives, such as residential and commercial solar installations.
By the end of 2023, Marblehead had 83 solar installations generating 439 megawatt-hours annually.
Five other towns, Boylston, Ipswich, Mansfield, Peabody, and Wakefield, partnered to finance the project. Marblehead’s share of the total construction cost is approximately $1.58 million.
The facility employs bifacial solar modules that capture both direct sunlight and reflected light, enhancing the efficiency throughout the year. Since the project began, the system has shown reliability, with minimal maintenance required.
Officials emphasize that while carbon-free energy is not always the cheapest option in New England, projects like the Cotton Solar Project contribute to long-term sustainability goals without drastically affecting electricity costs.
Marblehead continues to pursue a balanced strategy, integrating both large-scale renewable projects and individual solar adoption to meet its clean energy objectives.