Municipal Solar
The HMLP Solar Task Force is working with Town of Hingham Administrators to identify schools and other town facilities and properties well suited for solar. A preliminary list of structures has been shared with the town.
MassCEC Solar Information Hub
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has created a hub for information and resources about putting solar on your building.
Hingham’s municipal administrators are encouraged to explore the hub to see what incentives are available for projects, use the solar cost comparison tool, and receive procurement guidance.
HMLP Consultations
If you are interested in going solar, reach out to us! HMLP’s Sustainability Coordinator and Engineering Manager will discuss projects with interested parties to help you learn more about HMLP’s solar process, requirements, and incentives.
Solar Rebates
HMLP offers a rebate in the form of a check to customers who install and own a photovoltaic system on their buildings in Hingham. The amount of the rebate will vary according to the capacity of the photovoltaic system.
What is Net Metering?
Net Metering is a system in which solar panels or other renewable energy generators are connected to a public-utility power grid and surplus power is transferred onto the grid, allowing customers to offset the cost of power drawn from the utility.
Interconnection Application
To start the process of going solar, you’ll need to fill out the interconnection application form. For systems larger than 20 kW (AC), please contact HMLP to request a copy of the application.
Hingham Light’s Solar & Battery System
We are excited to help amplify the power of our solar array & battery system by sharing this virtual tour with you. Below you will find a drone video of HMLP’s solar canopy captured by Harbor Media, photographs that you can click through, and descriptions of HMLP’s energy system.
HMLP’s Rooftop & Canopy Solar
Originally, the rooftop of HMLP’s facility housed a 40 kW solar system consisting of approximately 130 panels. Recognizing the potential to expand its renewable energy capacity, HMLP completed a significant upgrade in 2024. This expansion included additional rooftop solar panels and the installation of solar canopies in the parking lot. As a result, the rooftop system now generates approximately 75 kW, while the total solar capacity at HMLP has grown to an impressive 200 kW (AC), contributing to a more sustainable energy future for the community.
A major component of this expansion is HMLP’s solar canopy, which adds approximately 125 kW of solar while also providing practical benefits. Positioned over the parking lot, the canopy not only helps harness solar power but also offers shade and protection for vehicles parked beneath it. This dual-purpose design maximizes available space to increase renewable energy production while enhancing the functionality of HMLP’s facilities.
HMLP’s Battery System
HMLP’s battery energy storage system, commissioned in 2021, plays a crucial role in HMLP’s load management. The system has a capacity of 2 megawatts (MW) and is designed to provide energy for up to three hours when fully charged. By strategically discharging the battery during periods of high electricity demand—commonly referred to as ‘peaks’—HMLP reduces strain on the grid and lowers overall energy costs.
An additional benefit of the battery system is its ability to store excess solar energy generated by HMLP’s on-site solar arrays. Given the point of interconnection between HMLP’s office building and the battery, surplus electricity from the rooftop and solar canopy systems is likely charging the battery rather than being sent back to the grid. This means that HMLP is maximizing the use of its locally generated renewable energy, capturing solar power during the day and discharging it when demand is high. By integrating solar generation with energy storage, HMLP is further advancing its commitment to carbon-free, sustainable energy solutions for the community.