Bristol Community College is now the home of the largest solar parking canopy in New England.

School and local officials were joined by Governor Charlie Baker Friday afternoon at the Fall River campus to unveil the new solar project.
Baker says his administration continues to strive toward using more renewable energy across the Commonwealth.

"I look forward to working with all of the folks in the legislature and all the folks here in the Commonwealth to continue to pursue unique and different alternatives to continue to reduce our carbon footprint and remain a national leader in the green, clean future that we're all looking forward to," Baker said.

The Baker Administration hopes to generate 1,600 megawatts of solar energy throughout the state by 2020, and Baker is confident it will be much sooner than that.

The parking canopy spans 5 acres and covers 800 parking spaces.

The privately funded project was completed by PowerOptions and SunEdison.

It is expected to cut the campus energy consumption in half and generate $1.75 million in savings over 20 years.

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