BOSTON: Commuting Goes Solar
Massachusetts will get its first zero-net-energy, solar-powered train station, the Yawkey Commuter Rail Station, during the third year of construction for the $550M Fenway Center (likely 2018). Meredith Management, the developer of both the project and station, will install and operate a solar energy plant that will provide more energy to the station than it uses, then it will sell the extra solar power to the state at a discount to prevailing electricity rates. Over 30 years, it's estimated that it will generate at least six million kWh of electricity and cut CO2 emissions by the equivalent of four million lbs. (So take a couple of extra deep breaths... they'll foot the bill.) While the new $15M station opened in March sans solar, it's already doing its part to help the environment: It increased commuter rail service from 17 to 40 trains per day and provides a stop for Longwood Medical Area shuttle buses.
