Solar plant would be largest in New England

The Western Massachusetts Electric Co. has acquired an eight-acre parcel in Pittsfield to develop the plant, according to a report in the Berkshire Eagle.

The 1.8MW plant will be located on Silver Lake Boulevard on land that is jointly owned by WMECO and the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority.

The company is at present seeking local planning permission for the plant and construction is expected to begin by the spring, according to WMECO.

The work is expected to cost between $10 million and $12 million.

This is the first of several large-scale solar power facilities that WMECO intends to build.

According to WMECO, the solar facility is expected to contribute more than $200,000 in annual property tax revenue to the City of Pittsfield. The site will have the capacity to provide enough energy to heat a maximum of 1,800 homes, WMECO spokeswoman Sandra Ahearn, told the Berkshire Eagle.