Massachusetts set for new solar power plant

A new solar power plant set to break ground this fall is expected to produce enough electricity to power more than 600 homes in Massachusetts.

Cathartes Private Investments announced Monday it plans to build a $23 million solar panel field on 22 acres bordering Route 3 in Westford. The solar power company Nexamp will operate the 4.5 megawatt facility.

Cathartes will receive solar renewable energy certificates to sell to utilities and other suppliers, and National Grid will connect the facility to its distribution system.

The project received a $5.8 million from the state as part of the state’s Green Communities Act.

State officials say installed solar power in the state has risen from 3.5 megawatts in 2007 to more than 92 megawatts expected by the end of this year.

Read More: Massachusetts set for new solar power plant via Businessweek