Press Release: 8/21/2025
MASSDOT, DOER Host Ribbon Cutting on Solar Canopy at Harwich Park and Ride
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
8/20/2025
MEDIA CONTACT
Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT
Phone
Call Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT at (857) 368-8500
Online
Email Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT at jacquelyn.goddard@dot.state.ma.us
FRAMINGHAM/HARWICH — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) hosted a ribbon cutting event in Harwich for a 318 kW-DC solar canopy at MassDOT’s Park and Ride location. MassDOT has installed solar canopies at Park and Ride locations in Harwich and New Bedford, supported by $205,000 in grants from DOER’s Leading by Example program.
MassDOT partnered with Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading energy solutions provider dedicated to helping customers navigate the energy transition, to install solar canopies that will generate renewable electricity that offsets facility energy use and supports the Commonwealth’s climate goals. The installation will add 873 kilowatts of solar capacity, bringing MassDOT’s total solar capacity to nearly 6.2 megawatts.
“These solar canopies are a powerful example of how we can merge everyday convenience with long-term resiliency,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “By investing in infrastructure that serves residents and visitors today while advancing a cleaner and more resilient future, we are demonstrating that transportation can be both accessible and sustainable. These projects help lower energy costs and enhance the experience for the thousands of people who rely on our facilities each day.”
The initiative is a collaboration between the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Department of Energy Resources’ Leading by Example Program, aligning with the state’s Clean Energy and Climate Plan.
“Congratulations to MassDOT on its two newest solar canopies, which will save more than $750,000 in energy costs over their lifetime,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “MassDOT’s commitment to clean, homegrown energy is an investment in our future that will pay dividends in lower electricity costs, cleaner air and our energy independence.
“We are proud to partner with MassDOT on these two solar canopy projects, which bring its total amount of solar capacity to nearly 6.2 megawatts,” said Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “We are working to lower energy costs on all fronts. MassDOT’s leadership in adding locally-produced electricity benefits travelers in the Commonwealth by lowering its ongoing energy costs, and benefits all residents and businesses by making our electric grid more reliable and affordable.”
MassDOT has installed solar canopies at the Harwich and New Bedford Park and Ride locations. The 318 kilowatt DC canopy in Harwich is expected to generate over 384 megawatt hours in its first year of operation, equivalent to the yearly electricity use of 53 homes. MassDOT will save approximately $270,000 over the life of the system.
“The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made clean energy a top priority and we’re excited to join forces with the Department of Energy Resources and Ameresco to leverage Highway assets to be a part of the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “I especially want to thank the MassDOT team for their innovative approach in working with this dynamic group of stakeholders to turn this vision into a reality.”
The 580 kilowatt DC canopy in New Bedford is expected to generate over 688 megawatt hours in its first year, equivalent to the yearly electricity use of 96 homes. MassDOT will save approximately $482,000 over the life of the system.
“Ameresco was proud to partner with MassDOT and the DOER on this project that strengthens local grid resilience and enhances the experience of travelers on Massachusetts roads," said Jonathan Mancini, Senior Vice President, Social and BESS Project Development, at Ameresco. "Solar canopies like this, which supports community mobility while advancing our shared decarbonization goals, demonstrate the value of developing innovative solutions that are tailored to the areas they serve."
“Harwich’s solar canopy is a real win for Cape Cod. It means cleaner air, lower costs for taxpayers, and a transportation system that looks towards the future,” said State Senator Julian Cyr. “This project shows what we can accomplish when the state and our local partners work together, and I’m grateful to MassDOT and DOER for making it happen right here in our backyard.”
“I’m thrilled to see that Harwich is helping lead the way in Massachusetts’ clean energy future,” said State Representative Hailey Luddy. “Thank you MassDOT and DOER for investing in our community for this project, and I look forward to the lasting benefits it will bring to our residents, environment, and economy across the Commonwealth.”
About Ameresco, Inc.
Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading energy solutions provider dedicated to helping customers reduce costs, enhance resilience, and decarbonize to net zero in the global energy transition. Our comprehensive portfolio includes implementing smart energy efficiency solutions, upgrading aging infrastructure, and developing, constructing, and operating distributed energy resources. As a trusted full-service partner, Ameresco shows the way by reducing energy use and delivering energy infrastructure solutions to Federal, state and local governments, utilities, educational and healthcare institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. Headquartered in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,500 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.
The announcement of Ameresco’s completion of a renewable energy asset is not necessarily indicative of the timing or amount of revenue from such arrangement, of Ameresco’s overall revenue for any particular period or of trends in Ameresco’s overall total assets in development or operation. This asset was included in Ameresco’s previously reported assets in operation as of June 30, 2025.