FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hyde Park, MA, February 6, 2017 — What began as a brief information session in 2014 with Richard Kane of SunBug Solar has become an exciting reality for the owners of residential, commercial, and artist spaces at The Lofts at Westinghouse in Hyde Park. This past fall, Westinghouse’s Board of Trustees, along with Project Managers from SunBug, officially commissioned a 255-megawatt photovoltaic solar system. 648 state-of-the-art SunPower solar panels sit atop Building C, converting sunlight into energy that will offset all common area electric costs, provide each unit owner with approximately two-months worth of unit-specific power demands, promote sustainability by offsetting carbon emissions, and allow for thousands of dollars in tax incentives for residential and commercial tenants alike.

Before undertaking such a multifaceted venture, the managers knew that the potential environmental benefits of “going solar” needed to be met with a sound financial plan. SunBug calculated that the project would be “cash flow positive from its first year of operation onward” by utilizing a bank loan that could be fully funded by energy payment counterpoising and SREC income (thus avoiding any special assessments or increases in HOA fees).1 Working under the guidance of Attorney Mike Merrill and R Brown Partners, the Managers reached out to other local active solar buildings in efforts to increase understanding and minimize risk. In 2015, the Board presented the enterprise to unit owners and was able to alleviate concerns regarding potential costs, safety implications, legal ramifications, proper adherences to condominium documents and bylaws, and environmental impacts. An overwhelming majority of owners then voted to proceed.

After only a few months in operation, the system at Westinghouse has generated over 67 megawatts of power, and saved the equivalent of over 45 trees, twenty thousand pounds of coal, and two thousand gallons of gasoline. Despite the future of solar incentives in Massachusetts being painted as somewhat uncertain during the past calendar year, Westinghouse’s Board of Managers encourages its brother and sister buildings in the Boston area to remain focused, confident, and optimistic. Pursuing a solar project of any magnitude may require time and patience, but the rewards are worth the wait and effort.

The Lofts at Westinghouse is a mixed-use facility conceived in partnership between The Boston Planning & Development Agency (formerly BRA) and Mayor Tom Menino. The building is comprised of 62 live/work units, 12 artist studios, and multiple commercial spaces. Converted between 2008-2010 by The Hamilton Company, the brick-and-beam lofts still echo the aesthetics and utility of their predecessor building—B.F. Sturtevant’s Hyde Park Factory (Westinghouse, after 1945). The on-site gallery space hosts seasonal art shows and participates in Hyde Park Open Studios.