PV Squared Solar Featured on Greenfield Walking Tour with Aaron Vega

GREENFIELD — PV Squared Solar, a worker-owned cooperative based in Greenfield, was included as a stop on a recent downtown walking tour with Aaron Vega, president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council.

The opportunity came through PV Squared’s ongoing involvement with the Greenfield Business Assoc., whose leadership played a central role in inviting Vega to Greenfield and thoughtfully planning a full day of engagement with local businesses. The tour and meet-and-greet created space for meaningful, on-the-ground conversations about the region’s economic landscape, challenges, and opportunities.

The visit provided an opportunity to share how PV Squared’s cooperative model, long-term service approach, and regional partnerships contribute to economic resilience across Greenfield and Franklin County.

Founded in 2002, PV Squared Solar is a 100% worker-owned cooperative that designs, installs, and maintains solar and battery systems for homes, businesses, and nonprofits throughout Western Mass. and Southern Vermont. Over the past two decades, the company has grown alongside the region, prioritizing local workforce development, community partnerships, and long-term customer relationships.

During the tour, the PV Squared team highlighted several key areas where regional collaboration can further strengthen clean energy adoption and economic growth:

• Workforce development pipelines, including partnerships with Holyoke Community College, Greenfield Community College, and local technical high schools, alongside PV Squared’s in-house electrical apprenticeship program;

• Commercial and nonprofit solar deployment, supporting long-term cost savings and operational stability for local institutions;

• Service and maintenance infrastructure, including support for aging and ‘orphaned’ solar systems as the industry evolves; and

• Battery storage and resilience, helping homes and businesses prepare for grid disruptions and rising energy costs.

“As a worker-owned cooperative, our goal has always been to build something that lasts for our customers, our team, and our community,” said Brittany Hathaway, worker-owner and Marketing & Outreach specialist at PV Squared Solar. “It was meaningful to share how that structure translates into real economic impact here in Greenfield and across Franklin County.”

The conversation also highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between local business networks and regional economic development efforts. The role of the Greenfield Business Assoc. in convening this visit underscores the value of local leadership in shaping broader regional strategy.

“Western Massachusetts is uniquely positioned to lead in community-based clean energy,” Hathaway added. “With the right alignment between local businesses, workforce programs, and regional support, we can continue to expand access while strengthening the local economy.”