City of New Bedford, Massachusetts, aims to generate two third of electricity from renewable sources, and the goal has been achieved with the completion of a 4.1MW solar project. SunEdison, TerraForm Power and BlueWave Capital LLC partnered and have installed totaling 16MW of solar facilities in the city, contributing to the city’s renewable target.

The 4.1MW solar power plant is located in Dartmouth, Mass. in the New Bedford Business Park and is named after Tom Davis, former executive director of the Greater New Bedford Industrial Foundation. Mr. Davis, a long-time leader in the New Bedford area, played a prominent role in the development of the solar park and was onsite at the project commissioning today to witness the unveiling of the solar park sign that bears his name.

The solar power systems installed in the City will help reduce US$30 million of electricity bills for its citizens over the next 20 years. The solar installations also make the city a leader in renewable energy, and ranks first per capita among municipalities in the continental U.S. in its use of solar electricity.

“What was once a modest local effort here in New Bedford has turned into one of the nation's most ambitious moves to adopt solar," said Jon F. Mitchell, Mayor of New Bedford. "Now, in addition to the Sullivan's Ledge Solar Project and the Plymouth Solar Project, this project is quietly generating power, cutting city utility bills and saving taxpayer dollars. Our renewable power program is also strengthening our city's economy and our environment in a big way.  I could not be prouder of the creativity, commitment, and teamwork of all those here who helped us reach our goals."

(Photo Credit: Offical Website of City of New Bedford)