Press Release for Boston Properties' 840 kW Solar Array in Waltham

By Laura Sesody, Boston Properties

Boston Properties, Healthy Planet Partners and Solaire Generation Complete Northeast’s Largest Garage-Mounted Solar Canopy – 840 kW Solar Array at Boston Properties’ BAy Colony Office Park in Waltham, MA

Flipping the Switch: Undersecretary Mark Sylvia of the MA EEA, Michael Richter of Healthy Planet Partners, Laurence Mackler of Solaire, and Bryan Koop of Boston Properties

August 11, 2014 - Boston Properties (NYSE: BXP), Healthy Planet Partners (“HPP”) and Solaire Generation today announced they were “Flipping the Switch” on the Northeastern United States’ largest garage mounted solar canopy at Boston Properties’ Bay Colony. The solar canopy covers 60,000 ft2 at the 950 Winter Street parking garage. The 840 kW installation is projected to produce more than one (1) million kWh of renewable power annually. The energy produced is equivalent to twenty percent of Bay Colony Building 950’s total consumption or enough energy to power 130 Massachusetts homes. Annually, renewable energy generated by the solar array will offset 340 metric tons of CO2. 

“HPP is extremely proud of this partnership with Boston Properties, a leading commercial REIT in the U.S.,” said Michael Richter, Managing Partner of Healthy Planet Partners. “This significant solar project illustrates a strong commitment to efficient and sustainable operation of buildings and facilities. This effort should serve as a model for the utilization of parking garages across Massachusetts and beyond.”

“With the commissioning of this solar canopy, our properties now host 950 kW of solar installations,” stated Bryan Koop, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of Boston Properties. “We are pleased to do our part in reaching the State’s aggressive goal of achieving 1,600 MW of installed solar power by 2020.” 

Solaire Generation’s CEO Laurence Mackler added, “Solaire is thrilled to be a part of this exciting project. We applaud Boston Properties’ taking advantage of significant space available on their parking lots and thinking beyond traditional rooftop and ground-mount solar installations. ”

The project included the installation of 2,850 panels and nearly 300 tons of steel. In addition to generating clean energy at a discounted rate to the customers at Bay Colony, the canopies protect employees and visitors at 950 Winter Street from the elements. 

About Healthy Planet Partners, LLC

Headquartered in Greenwich, CT, Healthy Planet Partners, LLC (“HPP”), is a diversified asset manager focused on investments in energy and infrastructure. The firm provides capital, expertise, and a broad network of experts to help clients minimize environmental impact and maximize performance. HPP targets investments serving commercial, industrial, governmental and utility clients in energy and infrastructure. For further information about HPP, see www.healthyplanetpartners.com. 

About Boston Properties

Boston Properties is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust that develops, redevelops, acquires, manages, operates and owns a diverse portfolio of Class A office space, one hotel, three residential properties and four retail properties. The Company is one of the largest owners and developers of Class A office properties in the United States, concentrated in four markets - Boston, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC. For more information about Boston Properties, see www.bostonproperties.com.

About Solaire Generation

Solaire Generation is the market leader for the design, fabrication, and installation of elegant solar solutions. With more than 40 MW of solar parking canopies installed to date, Solaire is expanding its offerings to include financing and development of carport, roof, and ground solar projects, as well as a la carte EPC services. Solaire is active across the United States and in select international markets. For further information about Solaire Generation, see www.solairegeneration.com.