Project Traits
State: Massachusetts
Congressional District: MA01
Organization Type: Utility
Partner Organization(s) Type: NGO
Energy Sector: Clean Power,
Energy Subsector: Solar,
Project Start Year: 2021
Project Launch Year: 2023
Government Support Received: Federal Direct Pay [IRA Elective Pay (48E)] for $2,340,000
Outcomes & Impacts
Private Investment: Unknown
Jobs Announced or Created: Unknown
People Served: Unknown
Projected Economic Impact: Unknown
The Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) received $2.34 million in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act for the Master Sergeant Alexander Cotton Memorial Solar Project in Ludlow. The 6.9 megawatt solar array, officially energized in 2023, aims to reduce electricity costs for its six municipal utility participants and their communities. MMWEC officials emphasized the project's success in demonstrating the strengths and benefits of public power. The funds will help eliminate years of debt service costs, making clean energy more affordable and accessible.
The Cotton Solar Project has six municipal utilities as participants, located in Boylston, Ipswich, Mansfield, Marblehead, Peabody and Wakefield. Tax professionals worked alongside the MMWEC to complete all required documentation before filing their tax return in November 2024, and they received the direct payment for the project in mid-December.