Nautilus Solar Energy completed its first community solar portfolio in Maine. The 18.6 MW fully operational portfolio is comprised of three projects and will provide a clean energy alternative to an estimated 2,000 residential homeowners and renters, local businesses, and non-profit organizations within the CMP utility territory.
These projects were developed by TurningPoint Energy as part of Maine’s Net Energy Billing program to provide renewable energy benefits, energy efficiency, and reduced costs for its residential customers. Nautilus is the long-term owner of the projects and is responsible for overseeing construction, maintaining its long-term performance, and acquiring and managing customer subscriptions.
Over their lifetime, the projects are expected to generate approximately 25 million kWhs annually, contributing to Maine’s goals of providing economic growth, workforce opportunities, and 80 percent clean energy by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050.
“The completion of this community solar portfolio demonstrates the continued delivery on the promise TurningPoint Energy made three years ago when we announced our entry into the Maine community solar market,” said Salar Naini, Executive Vice President of Business Development.
As one of the fastest growing sectors of the Maine clean energy industry, community solar provides all the benefits of locally produced, affordable clean energy without any rooftop panels to install or upfront fees. Anyone who pays an electric bill can subscribe to a solar project in their area and actively participate in the transition to clean energy which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and builds climate resilience and a stronger grid.
TurningPoint Energy has also engaged with landowners in Delaware interested in leasing or selling their property for solar development. TurningPoint Energy is currently developing 12 projects in Delaware with an aggregate value of more than $100,000,000.
In 2021, Delaware passed a law called Senate Bill 2 which removed existing barriers to participation in Delaware’s community solar program, expanded system sizes to allow for up to four (4)-megawatt projects, and implemented a requirement that at least 15% of a projects’ customers be of low income.
“We are committed to our community solar investment in the State of Delaware for the long term,” said Salar Naini, executive vice president of TurningPoint Energy. “It took many months of healthy debate under the leadership of Senator Stephanie Hansen alongside a diverse group of stakeholders to finally hammer out all the details of this key piece of renewable energy legislation. We are now engaged with communities in mid-development on these projects to meet the needs of our neighbors and communities and ensure the projects are customized and developed to provide the best outcomes possible.”
Additionally, for every community in which the company develops projects, TurningPoint Energy makes a charitable community investment commitment. In Delaware, this aggregate charitable investment is targeted to exceed $150,000 across the state.
Tags: Community Solar
