Borrego Solar Systems to Build 12.8 MW of Distributed Solar Projects for National Grid in Massachusetts

Second Project Began Construction in March Using Advanced Inverter Technology to Regulate Voltage and Improve Grid Reliability

Lowell, Mass. June 24, 2015


Borrego Solar Systems Inc., a leading designer, developer, installer and financier of grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, today announced that it will build 12.8 megawatts (MW) across 13 sites of wholesale distributed generation (WDG) solar projects for National Grid in Massachusetts. These projects are part of National Grids plan to bring additional utility-owned solar generation to the state.

When fully operational, this portfolio is expected to generate enough clean solar energy to serve the electrical needs of about 2,073 homes per year, displacing roughly 10,592 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually—the equivalent of taking 2,230 cars off the road, or the same amount of carbon that would be sequestered by 8,682 acres of U.S. forests in a year.

"Were excited to be working with Borrego Solar to bring new clean energy generation to our state," said Edward White, vice president of Customer Strategy and Environmental, National Grid. "We are committed to making advances in solar connectivity and to increase the amount of renewable energy we provide. This initiative will have a broad impact on the way our communities think about, and use, solar power for years to come."

National Grids approach to planning and operating energy infrastructure in the Northeast, which the company calls Connect21, aligns with the Commonwealths goal to install 1,600 MW of solar generation in Massachusetts by 2020. In addition to its own installations, the company has connected more than 300 MW of third party-owned solar generation in the state.

In March, Borrego Solar began construction of the second facility in the portfolio—a 650 kilowatt (kW) system located in Charlton, Mass. The Charlton installation will integrate inverter technology that better regulates voltage, which will improve reliability and efficiency of the electrical grid for National Grid customers. Once operational the system will generate enough electricity to power 160 homes each year.

"Mid-scale utility projects provide states with an efficient approach for meeting aggressive renewable energy goals at an impressive pace," said Jared Connell, director of project development in New England at Borrego Solar. "Its encouraging to see the success of National Grids WDG program and that it continues to prioritize bringing solar energy onto the grid. By integrating advanced inverter technology into these projects, National Grid is taking it one step further and utilizing solar to improve the grid and ensure increased reliability for its customers."

About Borrego Solar
Established in 1980, Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. is one of the nations leading designers, developers, installers and financiers of grid-tied solar PV systems. Borrego Solars PV systems are efficient, reliable and cost-effective. With more than three decades of experience and more than 1,100 solar power installations completed—totaling over 150 MW—Borrego Solar offers a complete line of solar system design, installation and O&M services throughout North America. Borrego Solar was the third largest commercial installer in the United States in 2014, according to GTM Research. For more information, visit http://www.borregosolar.com.

About National Grid
National Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE: NGG) is an electricity and natural gas delivery company that connects nearly 7 million customers to vital energy sources through its networks in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the Northeast. National Grid also operates the systems that deliver gas and electricity across Great Britain.

Through its U.S. Connect21 strategy, National Grid is transforming its electricity and natural gas networks to support the 21st century digital economy with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions. Connect21 is vital to our communities' long-term economic and environmental health and aligns with regulatory initiatives in New York (REV: Reforming the Energy Vision) and Massachusetts (Grid Modernization.)

For more information please visit our website: http://www.nationalgridus.com, or our Connecting website. You can also follow us on Twitter, watch us on You Tube, Friend us on Facebook and find our photos on Instagram.

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