BOSTON -- A decades-old Boston company is having no trouble keeping up with the times.

NewsCenter 5's David Brown reported Tuesday that Boston Sand and Gravel is going high-tech.

Decades-Old Company Goes High-Tech

Thousands pass the flagship plant every day. Known for sand, gravel and cement, the 95-year-old firm has built its reputation on concrete using natural resources. But times are changing. Peer off Interstate 93 now, and you'll see the latest project -- more than 550 solar panels.

On a typical day, they'll supply power to the company's maintenance facility.

"It's going to supply 75 percent of our energy requirements here at the garage. It also frees up about 120,000 kilowatt hours for the rest of the power grid over the course of a year," said Dean Boylan, of Boston Sand and Gravel.

That is the equivalent of supplying enough electricity to about power about 100 homes. It is an example of the state's Commonwealth Solar program. Money is given to businesses and homeowners to encourage alternative energy.

"In the rebate, basically saying the state is roughly going to pay for half the cost of your installation," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles.

In one case the check was about $300,000 for an $800,000 project.

When the solar panels are covered in snow they are not going to produce any electricity, but since the panels face south they get a lot of heat from the sun even on the coldest day and since they are angled at 5 percent, the snow is going to melt faster.

"We realize the future of the world is at hand. We are really interested in sustainability -- not only in our products but also in energy conservation," said Jean-Marie Boylan, of Boston Sand and Gravel.