In this edition of Projects Weekly, we’re highlighting Ameresco’s solar canopy installation in Reston, Virginia, in partnership with BXP Inc. Additionally, we’ll look at SolMicroGrid’s new program to monetize existing solar assets and deliver resilient onsite power; Bechtel has achieved a milestone with a 1.3 GW solar project in Indiana; SolarBank is developing a 6.9 MW solar project in Nova Scotia, Canada; a New England-based startup has installed a 300 kWdc solar PV system at its animal feed manufacturing plant in Connecticut; and SolAmerica has flipped the switch on a 2 MW behind-the-meter solar project for NSG Group in Illinois. Keep reading to learn more about these developments.
Ameresco Inc. has begun commercial operations at its solar PV canopy project in Reston, Virginia. The project was developed through a partnership with BXP Inc., a developer of premier workplaces in the United States.
“This project required overcoming several economic, technical, and logistical hurdles,” said Ben Myers, senior VP of sustainability at BXP. “Ameresco’s commitment to the project, creativity, and proficiency in developing on-site, clean energy in the context of the bustling Reston Town Center, was essential in making this project a success.”
Cool factor: Completed at the end of 2024, the 1.3 MW solar photovoltaic system will provide an estimated 1.5 million kWh of renewable energy annually, benefiting BXP’s Reston Town Center facility. This behind-the-meter project offers cost-savings through competitive energy pricing, bolsters energy security, and reduces dependence on the electric grid. Mounted atop a parking garage, this innovative use of space increases the covered parking capacity while also transforming the structure into a MW-scale renewable energy plant.
“Developing the solar canopy project has been a phenomenal reminder of the innovative ways we can create solutions to provide energy security and resiliency to cities and towns across the country,” added Jonathan Mancini, senior VP of solar project development — East, PV grid-tie — at Ameresco.
SolMicroGrid launches ‘Array to Microgrid’ program
C&I microgrid solutions provider SolMicroGrid has launched its “Array to Microgrid” program, which enables property owners to unlock the embedded value of their existing solar arrays by selling them for cash proceeds while simultaneously upgrading to fully managed, resilient microgrids.
This innovative program is designed for businesses across the retail, industrial, and commercial and real estate sectors that seek to reduce operational complexity, improve energy resilience, and eliminate the burdens of solar asset ownership. By acquiring and converting underutilized solar systems into state-of-the-art microgrids – with potential additions of battery storage, backup generation and smart controls, SolMicroGrid provides a comprehensive Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) solution tailored to each facility’s needs.
Cool factor: At the heart of this offering is SolMicroGrid’s EaaS business model. This structure replaces traditional asset ownership with a long-term service agreement, relieving customers of all capital expenditure, maintenance responsibilities, and operational risk. Customers benefit from predictable energy costs, improved site resilience, and enhanced sustainability, without capital outlays for infrastructure.
“Our Array to Microgrid program delivers a powerful combination of financial flexibility and operational reliability,” said Kirk Edelman, CEO of SolMicroGrid. “We enable customers to monetize their solar assets, eliminate maintenance and risk, and upgrade to a robust energy platform that reduces electricity costs and enhances energy security, all without capital outlay.”
Bechtel advances construction of 1.3 GW Mammoth Solar project in Indiana
Bechtel has been selected by Doral Renewables to deliver three key phases of its 1.3 GWac Mammoth Solar facility in Indiana. As one of the largest solar facilities in the United States, the project will play an important role in strengthening U.S. renewable energy supply and boost total solar capacity in Indiana by more than 20%.
When complete in 2027, Doral Renewables will implement agrivoltaics initiatives across the site which includes integrating on-site livestock grazing and crop cultivation around the panels. This dual-use technique enables local landowners to continue farming operations and maximize land use.
Cool factor: The project kicked its construction activities to a higher gear earlier this month, and Doral Renewables has now granted Bechtel Full Notice to Proceed (FNTP). Bechtel will design, engineer, and construct Mammoth South, Mammoth Central I, and Mammoth Central II, which together represent 900 MWac of renewable energy capacity. Doral and Bechtel kicked off construction preparatory works earlier this year. The commencement of FNTP enables Bechtel to complete design and begin permanent construction works including installing solar panels, power cables, and substations.
”A project of this scale depends on strong collaboration with local building trades to ensure access to the skilled workforce needed,” said Scott Austin, Bechtel GM of renewables and clean power. “We’re working closely with craft professionals, creating high-quality jobs, and being a reliable partner to the community as we help deliver Mammoth Solar and increase the supply of clean, reliable solar power.”
Over the next two years, the three upcoming phases will include the installation of approximately 2 million solar modules, one million of which will be U.S.-made. Bechtel will apply its award-winning digital delivery approach and autonomous technologies to streamline construction and enhance project delivery. At peak construction, the project is expected to create over 1,200 jobs, including at least 15% dedicated to apprenticeships that will provide hands-on training for young professionals and newcomers to the construction industry.
SolarBank develops 6.9 MW Brooklyn project in Nova Scotia
SolarBank Corp. is developing a ground-mount solar power project known as the Brooklyn project, totaling 6.9 MWdc, in Nova Scotia. The project is owned by AI Renewable Fund and SolarBank is the developer and builder for the projects at a total estimated cost of with a total cost of $13.9 million. SolarBank will partner with local Nova Scotia firm, Trimac Engineering, to deliver the project.
Cool factor: The project is being developed under the Nova Scotia Community Solar Program (CSP), the first CSP in Canada, supporting Nova Scotia’s commitment to 80% renewable energy by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2035. The program aims to add 100 MW of solar generation to the grid to help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change and foster local economic growth. The clean energy generated by community solar projects feeds directly into the local electricity grid. Depending on the size and number of panels a community solar project has, renters, and business or homeowners can earn credits on their electric bill and save $0.02 / kWh from the electricity that is generated by a project. So far, the NS CSP has only granted three CSP Contracts, totalling 7.05 MWac. AI Renewable won two contracts.
By subscribing to a project, community members can access the benefits of renewable energy without having to install panels on their building or land. With a secured site lease in place, the Company will continue to work to complete the permitting process of the Project. For the rest of 2025, the company will complete the interconnection project with Nova Scotia Power Inc., lead in-depth engineering studies, and complete the solar design. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026, followed by completion in the summer 2026.
Connecticut-based food waste startup powers plant with solar
Bright Feeds, a New England-based startup, has installed a 300 kWdc solar PV system at its 25,000-sq-ft animal feed manufacturing plant in Berlin, Connecticut.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to improve our process that not only make business sense but also support our sustainability mission and contribute to a healthier environment,” said Bright Feeds CEO Jonathan Fife. “Our new solar PV system advances our mission while also providing power to our operations and reducing our monthly energy costs.”
Cool factor: The Bright Feeds solar system will provide one-third of the plant’s total energy, saving the company on energy costs and reducing carbon emissions. The 625-panel project was developed and installed by Solect Energy, based in Hopkinton, Massachusetts.
Bright Feeds uses cutting-edge artificial intelligence and drying technology at its Berlin facility to convert unwanted food into an all-natural, nutritious, consistent soy and corn substitute for animal feed. The company serves customers across the Northeast, from animal feed suppliers to dairy farms, and diverts tens of thousands of tons of wasted food from the region’s waste stream each year.
SolAmerica energizes on-site solar project for NSG Group in Illinois
SolAmerica Energy celebrated the energization of an on-site, behind-the-meter solar project for NSG Group’s facility in Ottawa, Illinois. This 2 MWac project will provide affordable electricity under a power purchase agreement for the next 15 years.
The project benefits from a Renewable Energy Credit (REC) contract under the Illinois Adjustable Block Program, helping to enable a highly competitive PPA rate. In service of the customer’s sustainability goals, the project also calls for provision of separate Green-e certified RECs to replace those RECs sold under the state program.
Cool factor: This was SolAmerica’s first tracker-mounted project, partnering with Terrasmart on the installation.
“This marks a milestone as Terrasmart’s first tracker installation to qualify for the Inflation Reduction Act’s labor and domestic content credits, bearing testament to how our industry is supporting the growth of American jobs and manufacturing,” said Terrasmart president Ed McKiernan. “Based on deep sector experience, our team provided precise surveying and foundation installation using ground screws to address the site’s frost-prone conditions.”
Tags: commercial and industrial, Community Solar, utility-scale
