Harvard, MA
Scope: Solar Array Design and Construction
Project Description:
A two acre 220 kW ground mounted solar array at the Carlson Orchard, is the largest agricultural solar installation in Massachusetts as of 2010. The system was designed and built by Lighthouse Electric Contracting, Inc of Rockland, Stephen Kelleher Architects, Inc. of Fairhaven, and kWind Inc. of Mattapoisett. The project was completed in five months.
The array was made up of 1050 210 N solar panels that were produced by Evergreen Solar, Inc. in their Devens Massachusetts facility.
Carlson Orchards, Inc., a 120-acre apple, peach, and nectarine orchard produces more than 5,000,000 gallons of apple cider each year.
The system will supply approximately 70 – 75% of the electricity at the orchard by powering two large-scale refrigeration buildings and the cider press. The system will generate more than 5 million kilowatt hours of electricity over 20 years. It will also eliminate an estimated 3,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year, the equivalent of removing approximately 670 passenger cars from the road.
Staff Assigned:
Stephen L. Kelleher, AIA – Principal In Charge
Charles J. Fougere – Project Manager
Steve Melo – CAD Drafter