N.Y. Solar Power Installer Expanding Into Mass.

A New York solar energy installer is expanding operations in Massachusetts, a move that would see the firm invest at least $9 million and create 40 jobs in the state in a year.

Mercury Solar Systems Inc. is opening an office in Waltham to serve commercial and residential solar customers.

CEO Frank Alfano says the company was encouraged by the Massachusetts' thriving Solar Renewable Energy Certificates program, established to help the state reach a goal of producing 250 megawatts of solar power by 2017.

Alfano says the Port Chester, N.Y.-based firm expects to invest between $9 and 12 million in Massachusetts over the next year. That is expected to create 40 jobs, including solar energy installers, sales people and managers.