to install a wind turbine in 2007, continues to distinguish itself as one of the “greenest” ski areas in the U.S. In its latest move, the resort is partnering with the Massachusetts-based solar project developer and owner Nexamp to construct a 2.3 megawatt community solar facility.

Construction officially starts Aug. 5, and the facility is expected to come online in the late fall. Once completed, the solar facility will represent the largest community solar project in the Northeast. Combined with Jiminy's existing 1.5 megawatt wind turbine and a 75 kilowatt hour co-generation unit, the added solar generation will enable Jiminy Peak to offset 90 percent of its energy needs from renewable resources.

Local homeowners can also benefit. As part of Nexamp's Solarize My Bill Community Solar program, 200 homeowners near the resort can capitalize on 15 percent savings on their electricity bills with no enrollment fee.

As part of the program, participants will receive cash credits generated by Nexamp-owned solar projects applied directly on their existing electric bills. The company expects the program to be particularly attractive to homeowners not able to install a solar project on their own property.