Tanglewood Advances Sustainability Efforts with Solar Installation on the Koussevitzky Music Shed

Lenox, MA — Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, is advancing its sustainability efforts with the installation of a new low-profile rooftop solar energy system on the iconic Koussevitzky Music Shed. 

The 253.44 kW DC solar installation was developed and installed by Solect Energy through the PowerOptions Solar and Energy Storage Program. The system is expected to generate enough electricity annually to offset approximately 122% of the Shed’s electrical consumption, with excess generation providing bill credits to other buildings across the Tanglewood campus. The estimated carbon offset for the project is 298,000 pounds annually.  

The project reflects Tanglewood’s continued commitment to environmental stewardship while thoughtfully modernizing one of the country’s most recognizable music venues. 

“In planning this project, we were careful to ensure that it would not impact the historic structure or its prized acoustics,” said Bobby Lahart, Tanglewood’s Director of Facilities. “The installation is not visible from grade level, so it won’t affect the visual experience of our patrons in any way. We are excited to get the system up and running this summer and to further reduce our carbon footprint.” 

The installation follows a previous collaboration between Tanglewood, PowerOptions, and Solect Energy at the Linde Center for Music and Learning, where a 62-kW rooftop solar project was completed in 2019. 

Walter Gray, Program Director for Alternative Fuels at PowerOptions, helped connect Tanglewood and Solect Energy during the planning stages of the original project. 

“Organizations like Tanglewood are demonstrating how cultural institutions can take practical, forward-looking steps toward sustainability,” said Gray. “This project shows how thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and available clean energy incentives can help organizations make long-term investments that support both operational and environmental goals.” 

The project is expected to generate approximately $105,000 annually through a combination of avoided electricity costs, bill credits, and SMART 3.0 solar incentive revenue. Over time, the system is projected to provide significant long-term financial and environmental benefits for the Tanglewood campus.

For Andreas Schmid, Vice President of Business Development at Solect Energy, the project also carries a personal connection. 

“Having grown up in the Berkshires and attending performances at Tanglewood from a young age, this project has been especially meaningful to me,” said Schmid. “Tanglewood is an iconic cultural institution, and it has been a privilege for Solect to help support its long-term environmental and economic sustainability. The care and thoughtfulness that the Tanglewood team brought to this project made it a true collaboration.” 

Construction on the solar installation began in late 2025 following completion of a new roof on the Shed. Final electrical work and interconnection activities are expected to conclude in the coming weeks, with the system anticipated to be fully operational ahead of the BSO summer season.  

The solar installation on the Shed was supported in part by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and the Jane and Jack Fitzpatrick Trust.