Community solar project propels solar growth in Maine and brings solar savings to more than 20 businesses
In partnership with ECA Solar, Standard Solar acquired a 5.7 MW community solar garden in Bethel, Maine, one of the first in the state. The project is reducing the energy costs for more than 20 Maine businesses and helping to forward the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard of reaching 80% clean energy by 2030. Standard Solar funded the installation and owns and operates the system.
“As Maine continues its drive toward statewide clean-energy and climate-fighting goals, getting projects such as this one in Bethel completed and operational is critical,” said Harry Benson, Director, Business Development, Standard Solar. “Standard Solar is proud to be part of one of Maine’s first completed and operational community solar projects, and we look forward to adding more projects throughout the state to make solar energy more accessible and affordable to Mainers.”
Clean energy savings for Mainers
Bringing community solar to the region supports the local job market, strengthens the clean energy economy and brings cost savings to commercial and institutional organizations. Some of these organizations include Auburn School Department, AVX Tantalum, Bowdoin College, City of Portland, Colby College, L. L. Bean, Maine Community College System, and Maine General Medical Center.
The Bethel project is part of Maine’s Net Energy Billing (NEB), a program that allows Mainers to offset their electric bill using the output produced by renewable energy projects. The array is part of 45 MW of solar projects funded, owned and operated by Standard Solar in Maine.
