The MathWorks Goes Live with One of the Region’s Largest Photovoltaic Arrays

NATICK, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The MathWorks today announced the installation of one of Massachusetts’ largest photovoltaic (PV) arrays – a cluster of interconnected solar cells which will generate a portion of the company’s electricity. The project, a 139.08-kilowatt PV array installed by Alteris Renewables and partially funded through the Commonwealth Solar rebate program, will help reduce energy costs, reduce carbon emissions from energy generation, and promote research and development in the emerging technology industry.

“The Patrick Administration is proud to support The MathWorks solar power project through Commonwealth Solar, which is on course toward quadrupling the amount of installed solar electricity in the state by the end of this year,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles. “By helping us to reach Governor Patrick’s ambitious goal of 250 megawatts of solar power by 2017, The MathWorks is acting as a clean energy leader.”

As an integral part of The MathWorks energy savings program, the PV array will save an estimated seven percent of the total electricity used in one of three main buildings on the Company’s Natick, Massachusetts campus. The company aims to reduce overall energy use and carbon emissions from energy generation by at least 20 percent within two years.

“According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the commercial sector represents the largest area of electricity use nationally – consuming 46% of the nation’s total electricity,” explains Jeanne O’Keefe, Chief Financial Officer, The MathWorks. “We assessed our environmental impact – both locally and globally – and, with the help of Alteris and the Commonwealth Solar rebate program, are taking steps to minimize our footprint. By installing the PV array as part of our overall energy savings initiative we are reducing the strain on current power grid resources and maximizing the use of clean, renewable energy.”

“We are delighted to have partnered with The MathWorks on this project, helping them to meet their clean energy goals,” said Ron French, President of Alteris Renewables, “The MathWorks is a leader in an emerging trend among businesses to integrate solar for environmental as well as financial reasons.”

The new PV array installation consists of 456 SunPower SPR-305 modules covering as much of the available roof space as feasible. Each module generates 305 watts, giving the system an overall capacity of 139.08 kilowatts. The total energy production is estimated to be 155,000 kilowatt-hours annually.

In addition to the PV array installation, The MathWorks has implemented programs to reduce energy consumption through changes to lighting, heating/ventilation and computer equipment. The company is also utilizing its own tools, MATLAB and Simulink, to develop building energy models and identify opportunities for energy waste reduction.