ReVision Energy
South Portland recently completed its final phase of its panel solar farm.
October 26, 2022
South Portland transforms capped landfill into solar farm
ReVision Energy
View of South Portland's new solar project, which was developed on a capped landfill.
The city of South Portland is marking the completion of its 4.7 megawatt solar array that sits on the city's capped landfill. More than 80% of the city's municipal electric load will now be offset by solar.
The first array was built in 2017 with a 1016 kW array, which was the largest municipal solar project in Maine at the time. In 2022, the expansion of “Landfill East” and addition of “Landfill West” added 474 kW and 3,251 kW to the total project.
The solar farm is expected to save taxpayers more than $20 million over the 40-year commercial life of the panels.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the array will generate an estimated 5.8 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy each year, offsetting 63% of South Portland’s municipal electric load and 4,100 metric tons of annual carbon emissions. Coupled with earlier solar projects, 80% of the city's energy needs will now be powered by the sun.
“The city of South Portland is thrilled to announce the completion of this multi-phase project,” said South Portland City Manager Scott Morelli. “Thanks to this extraordinary collaborative effort, solar energy now powers the vast majority of municipal operations — a win for both the environment and taxpayers.”
Many local electricians, electrical apprentices, engineers and other solar professionals were employed in the development and construction of the solar arrays.
“Transitioning society from fossil fuels to renewable energy and clean technology is the biggest infrastructure project in the history of humankind, and one of the greatest wealth creation opportunities of the 21st century,” said Phil Coupe, co-founder of ReVision Energy.
The project was financed through Power Purchase Agreements managed by ReVision Energy.
South Portland didn't have to pay for the installation of the solar panels. Instead, Calibrant Energy, a distributed energy company, paid the upfront cost. The city will pay for the power generated from the solar panels at a rate lower than utility-provided power.
After seven years, the city will have the option of purchasing the system at a reduced price and own all of the solar power generated for the remainder of the warranty period and 40-year commercial lifespan.
To mark the opening, the city, Calibrant Energy, and ReVision Energy will hold a ceremony at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, on site at 929 Highland Ave. Attendees will include South Portland Mayor Deqa Dhalac, Thomas Biddinger, director of partnerships at Calibrant Energy, and Coupe, of Revision Energy. The public is invited to attend the ceremony.
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