Local residents and businesses have taken the message to heart, installed solar energy systems and received rebates from the Commonwealth Solar program, an initiative launched last year to encourage renewable energy use.
CommSolar, an offshoot of the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, has approved nearly $22 million in rebates for 539 solar photovoltaic projects since its inception in January 2008.
So far, "the bulk of the awards have gone to residential projects," said Lisa Capone, state Energy and Environmental Affairs spokeswoman. "We expect some of the larger ones will be coming."
Maryland-based SunEdison, which has worked with Whole Foods, Kohl's Department Stores and Framingham-based Staples on projects nationwide, is among the companies that recently submitted applications for solar power installations.
The largest system assisted by CommSolar to date is Majilite Corp.'s 411-kilowatt project at its Dracut headquarters, completed in December.
A 60-kilowatt system would typically power about nine homes, said Capone.
Local residents who have used the rebate program to help pay for energy upgrades include Edward Whitaker of Hopedale, who installed solar panels at his Overdale Parkway home last year. Sherborn's Greenwood Farm also received rebates for work done at its barns and stables.
School and municipal makeovers are encouraged as well, said Capone.
"Money has been set aside specifically for public schools" to use in going greener, she said. The aim in promoting the program for school use is educational and environmental. The hope is seeing renewable energy in action will serve as an example for students, she said.
On average, about 40 percent of a solar power project's cost can be rebated through the CommSolar program, said Capone.
In its first year, CommSolar approved 425 residential projects, 102 in the commercial and industrial sector, and 12 projects proposed by cities and towns.
Once all 539 projects are installed, they will produce enough electricity to power more than 1,000 Massachusetts homes per year, state officials said in a press release.
"Right out of the box, CommSolar's no-nonsense, cash-back approach to encouraging solar power resonated with consumers, businesses, and municipalities alike," Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles said in a statement. "This is good news for the state's economy, as well as our environment."
CommSolar rebates are financed by existing ratepayer funds for renewable energy, $40 million from the Renewable Energy Trust and $28 million from the Department of Energy Resource's Alternative Compliance Payment fund composed of fees from electricity suppliers.
