Heywood Healthcare Unveils Long-Awaited Solar Panel Project, Advancing Renewable Energy and Operational Resilience
Gardner, MA — January 22, 2026—Heywood Healthcare officially celebrated a sustainable milestone today at noon with the unveiling of its stalled decade long solar panel project at Heywood Hospital. The project, which is now officially live, marks a significant step forward in the organization's commitment to environmental stewardship and operational efficiency.
The project was made possible through a strategic partnership between Heywood Healthcare, National Grid, RER Energy Group, and General Energy Solution USA, Inc. (GES). This collaboration brings clean, renewable energy to the Gardner campus, helping to stabilize energy costs and reduce the healthcare system's carbon footprint.
“The activation of this solar array is a proud moment for Heywood Healthcare,” said Rozanna Penney, President and CEO of Heywood Healthcare. “By partnering with industry leaders like National Grid, RER Energy Group, and GES, we are not only investing in the future of our facility but also in the long-term health and well-being of the community we serve.”
National Grid played a pivotal role in the technical success of the installation through innovative utility programs.
“National Grid was proud to collaborate with Heywood Hospital to bring a cost-effective solar solution online for the community,” said Morgan Steacy, VP, Connections and Strategic Accounts, National Grid New England. “Our Active Resource Integration (ARI) pilot helped deliver a flexible interconnection that moved the project forward faster and at lower cost. Now energized, the system is offsetting hospital load and creating a pathway for potential revenue that can be reinvested in care and local economic growth.”
This initiative follows a period of significant resilience for the healthcare system. The solar project aligns with Heywood’s mission to remain a forward-thinking, community-owned organization that prioritizes both patient care and sustainable regional growth.