Two large-scale solar arrays being constructed in Amherst and Hadley are nearing completion and will give area residents the opportunity to obtain their power from a renewable source.
The solar farms, off Sunderland Road in North Amherst and between Westgate Center Drive and the Hampshire Mall in Hadley, are under development by Nexamp, Inc. of Boston. Both will become renewable energy sources that could mean a reduction in monthly electric bills for consumers who get their power from Eversource.
Nexamp CEO Zaid Ashai said in a statement that the solar farms are designed to make it easier for consumers to benefit from renewable energy sources.
“Nexamp is committed to making solar power accessible and affordable for everyone, even if they don’t have the ability to install solar panels on their home or building for any reason,” Ashai said.
In Amherst, the 4.2-megawatt photovoltaic energy facility is going up on 16 acres of land extending from the duck ponds on Sunderland Road east toward 324 Montague Road.
The Hadley arrays, which are a combined 4.63 megawatts, cover six acres off Westgate Center Drive and an additional 9.4 acres closer to the Hampshire Mall.
Anyone who gets power from Eversource can subscribe to one of these farms, including those who rent their homes and apartments, as well as people who don’t have the resources to buy solar panels. The average user is expected to see a 15-percent drop in monthly bills.
To learn more about the solar arrays, go to www.Solar4MA.com.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
