Massachusetts Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant Will Close its Doors

In some very disappointing news to Massachusetts residents, Evergreen Solar will be shutting down its Devens manufacturing facility.  While the company will continue to operate is headquarters in Marlborough, MA and its high temperature filament plant in Michigan, Evergreen Solar has decided to close the Devens plant and escalate wafer production at its Wuhan, China location.

It is reported the decision was made to streamline production and cut expenses.   With higher labor costs and less government support in the US, many solar energy companies have been forced to move manufacturing to China to remain competitive.  According to the company’s press release, the shutdown of the Devens manufacturing facility will affect 800 jobs, but will help conserve cash and support expansion of its wafer technology.

Massachusetts residents and businesses can take advantage of an additional discount on their solar electric system if it incorporates components from a Massachusetts company.  The extra incentive is $0.10 per watt for the first 5 kW (on an up to 10 kW PV system).  It may not seem significant, but on a 5 kW system this would be $500.  To qualify for this additional rebate, you must provide proof that the solar (PV) panels, the inverter(s), or another component that is important to the electricity production is manufactured by a company with a significant Massachusetts presence.  This is determined at the sole discretion of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC).  Evergreen Solar is one of only six companies, including Schott Solar, Satcon, Solectria Renewables, Beacon Power, and PanelClaw, that qualify.  There is no word from the MassCEC, yet, if or how the news of the Devens plant shutdown will affect future rebate applications that include Evergreen solar panels.   Since Evergreen’s headquarters are in Massachusetts and that indicates a significant presence, there likely could be no change.

A rebate is only one of many incentives available for Massachusetts solar installations.  If you’re thinking about solar for your Massachusetts home or business, rebates are not available for do-it-yourself projects and you will have to involve a solar professional to qualify.  A Massachusetts solar installer, like Brightstar Solar, can help you determine if you have the right site for solar and talk about the broad range of incentives available for your installation.  Contact us now for a complimentary evaluation and free estimate!