New solar panels will power MassDOT office in Northampton

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Hundreds of solar panels are now online in Northampton.

The new solar array is the first of its kind for the state Department of Transportation, and will power up the MassDOT District office on North King Street in Northampton.

MassDOT Secretary Richard Davey told 22News that construction came at no cost to taxpayers. A public-private partnership with area contractor JF White allowed for the construction of the $400,000 project.

“Transportation is a huge generator, frankly, of greenhouse gas, and anything we can do- whether it's improving public transit across the state or instances like this, improve the way we do business. It's critical,” Davey said.

Under optimum environmental conditions, the solar array is expected to produce enough power to supply one-third of the building's energy needs. In July alone, electricity costs were around $4,000.