NSTAR (Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.) and Evergreen Solar Inc. (Marlboro, Massachusetts), a manufacturer of solar power products, have formed an alliance to increase the role of solar power in eastern Massachusetts. The alliance was formed to leverage Evergreen Solar's String Ribbon solar power technology with NSTAR's expertise, capabilities and customer relationships to promote cost-effective solar options for consumers.

"This program with Evergreen Solar will expand renewable energy choices for our customers by making solar installations more accessible and affordable," says Thomas J. May, chairman, president and CEO of NSTAR. "Customer interest in clean energy options is growing, and we are committed to offering them an increasing number of options to choose from."

NSTAR's goal is to help lower the overall cost of solar energy generation, and increase the awareness of solar for its customers. NSTAR can positively influence the cost of solar installations and service by promoting standardized systems installed by preapproved solar contractors. The company has years of experience developing and running successful energy-efficiency programs and, therefore, will be the natural contact point for customers interested in installing solar equipment through this and other potential alliances. NSTAR will also bring significant value to related efforts such as market research, marketing and promotion, lead development, sales support, and standardized system development. NSTAR and its contractors will also provide customer followup, evaluation and service.

"This relationship with a utility can dramatically improve solar market delivery and significantly accelerate closing the gap between solar and conventional energy costs. NSTAR has ideal infrastructure to reduce the nonhardware portion of solar system costs," says Richard M. Feldt, president and CEO of Evergreen Solar.

This alliance will benefit from an announcement made on April 18, 2007, by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick of an innovative and expanded solar incentive program for the state comprising a commitment to work toward aggressive goals for installed solar power generating capacity — from roughly 2 MW in 2007 to 250 MW by the end of 2017 — by strategic use of renewable energy funds and additional regulatory incentives for solar power adoption by residential, commercial and industrial customers.