BROCKTON, MA-New England's first all-solar condominium complex has broken ground here. They are part of a $6-million development project designed to bring 26 townhouse-style condominiums to this working class city south of Boston.
Known as Johnson Square Village, the project is being developed on Foster Street by local builders Johnson Square Developers. It will be comprised of seven energy efficient buildings, each with several solar units that will supply most of the complexes energy needs.
Builder Dan Porrazzo, who is developing the project along with partner David Murphy, tells GlobeSt.com that the concept of building solar-powered condominiums in New England has been on his mind for years. A $458,300 grant awarded last month from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative's Renewable Energy Trust will offset the cost of the solar panels.
Designed by the Conservation Services Group of Westborough, the solar panels should generate more than 60% of each unit's energy needs, Porrazzo notes. In addition, any excess energy generated by the solar panels could be sold back to local power companies, providing income that will help defray the complex's maintenance costs. "I want to prove you can build an energy efficient unit at a price the average working person can afford to buy and own."
The complex will also feature two 20,000-gallon underground rain-water collection tanks that will be used to irrigate the development's common areas. The two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath units, which are expected to sell at prices starting at $214,900, should be completed by the first quarter of 2007.
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