Massport is set to build a massive 20-megawatt solar farm on a swath of acreage at the Worcester airport.

The state’s port operator announced the deal to build the clean-energy array with Kearsage Solar.&nbsp; The annual power generated, 22.3M kw, is roughly equal to Massport’s own energy use every year.

“Transforming this underutilized land at Worcester Regional Airport into one of the largest solar fields in the state is a win for the environment, a win for the community, and a smart step toward a more resilient future,” said Massport CEO Rich Davey.

The project stems from an RFP initially issued in 2019. The project will be built on 44 acres on the Leicester side of the airport, away from aviation operations.

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. climbed to its highest level in eight weeks, a setback for home shoppers in the midst of the spring homebuying season.

The rate rose to 6.83% from 6.62% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 7.1%.

Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also rose. The average rate increased to 6.03% from 5.82% last week. It’s still down from 6.39% a year ago, Freddie Mac said.

“Looking forward, competing economic forces are pulling mortgage rates in opposite directions, making it increasingly difficult to predict where they’ll land,” said Jiayi Xu, an economist at Realtor.com. “For buyers, the smartest move is to stress-test their budgets across a range of possible rate scenarios to stay prepared—no matter which way the winds shift.”

Massport is set to build a massive 20-megawatt solar farm on a swath of acreage at the Worcester airport.{ai:summary}<p>Massport plans to construct a 20-megawatt solar farm at Worcester airport, partnering with Kearsage Solar. The project aims to generate 22.3 million kilowatt-hours annually, matching Massport's energy use, and utilizes 44 acres of underutilized land.</p><p>Meanwhile, the average 30-year mortgage rate in the U.S. has risen to 6.83%, the highest in eight weeks, affecting homebuyers during the spring season. Borrowing costs for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages also increased, prompting experts to advise buyers to prepare for fluctuating rates. #economy</p>