A New Jersey-based solar developer says it has recently flipped the switch on five community solar farms in Maine that together can supply up to 31.5 megawatts of electricity for subscribers.
The Nautilus Solar Energy projects range from a 4.8-MW array in Knox County to a 7.4-MW solar facility in Kennebec County. Three other solar farms are located in Cumberland, Somerset and York counties. All arrays came online by mid-July, but some were fully operational in late June.
“We are also thrilled to announce that there is more to come,” noted Eric LaMora, Nautilus’ community solar director, in a news release. “We will be opening additional community solar farms by year-end which will provide an affordable clean energy choice to even more Mainers.”
Community solar farms are an option for those who cannot have solar panels installed where they live.
“Community solar allows everyone to benefit from solar energy, even if they can’t put panels on a rooftop,” according to a U.S. Department of Energy fact sheet.
“In areas where solar power is less expensive than traditionally generated electricity, consumers can save money on their monthly bills. If subscribers move to a new home within the same utility service territory or county, they can typically continue to benefit from their community solar share. Programs may also have options for selling or donating subscriptions”
More information about the new facilities is available here.