NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Northern Berkshire EMS is getting energized with some free solar panels that were installed on the ambulance service's roof on Monday.

 

"We will see savings immediately because the system was donated," General Manager John Meaney Jr. said. "Over time, we are going to be in a good position."

 

The panels are thanks to SolarFlair Energy of Ashland, the installer selected for the Solarize Plus campaigns in North Adams and Williamstown in 2019. The state-sponsored program offered low-cost loans and discounts to encourage eligible households to avail themselves of the renewable energy opportunity. 

 

Once Solarflair hit a certain benchmark with residential systems, it wanted to open up to nonprofits, said Meaney.

 

"They announced that basically nonprofit organizations could be nominated to receive a system donated," he said. "So we were nominated and we were chosen by Solarflair and they are here today putting them on."

 

The system is 15 kilowatts and consists of 16 panels covering about 20 percent of the east-facing roof on the Haqrris Street building. The value of the installation is $12,834.40, according to documents filed for Planning Board approval in March.

 

Meaney said Northern Berkshire EMS is always looking for ways to become more efficient and green. He said if the new system works out, he would be interested in expanding it.

 

"Once we start seeing the savings down the road we would love to possibly expand it," he said. "We are always looking for ways to go green and to help the environment."