Patrick administration receives energy award

WASHINGTON – Massachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick’s administration, which runs a housing program that provides grants to developers and financiers who promote the installation of solar-energy systems, was one of four governments this month to be awarded a State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards from the Clean Energy States Alliance.
“The award justly recognizes Massachusetts as an early national leader in integrating solar energy and green design into affordable multi-family housing,” CESA Executive Director Mark Sinclair said in a statement.
The state’s Solar Energy for Green Affordable Housing program is administered by the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust. It’s intended to help foster third-party ownership of solar energy systems, which will enable nonprofit-owned and publicly owned affordable housing development to add solar elements and benefit from federal solar energy tax credits, according to Patrick’s office.
Seven solar systems, including one in New Bedford, have so far been installed under the system.
The nonprofit Clean Energy States Alliance is managed by the Clean Energy Group, a nonprofit organization founded in 1998 that seeks greater use of sustainable energy technology. For additional information, visit www.cleanegroup.org.