Mass. solar power contract awarded

BOSTON, MA. (WPRI)- - Massachusetts has awarded its largest contract for solar power.

The $20 million in federal stimulus dollars will pay for the installation of solar panels at 12 public water and wastewater facilities throughout the state.

The panels are expected to deliver more than 4 megawatts of power when up and running -- roughly equal to the energy needed to power 600 households per year -- and should be fully installed by July 2011.

The panels will save the facilities nearly $650,000 annually in conventional energy costs.

Gov. Deval Patrick said the state's increase in solar power has also translated into hundreds of new jobs.

The facilities are located in Ashland, Hyannis, Chelmsford, Easton, Fairhaven, Falmouth, Holden, Marlborough, Blackstone/Millbury, East Freetown, Pittsfield and Townsend.