Ribbon cut on second community solar project in Delaware

 The array is composed of nearly 9,000 solar modules and is part of a 30-megawatt portfolio from the two companies.

 Based on industry estimates, the array can power more than 500 homes. Other estimates put the number as high as 700.

Construction was completed early this year and is expected to begin delivering renewable energy to customers within the Delmarva Power service territory in the next few months.

This project is part of Delaware's Community Energy Facility Program, which was officially launched in April 2022 after being signed into law via Senate Bill 2. 

This bill increased project size limits and required at least 15% of each project's capacity to serve low-income customers.

"The opening of this community solar farm represents Nautilus's entrance in Delaware and our continued expansion of community solar across the United States," said Eric LaMora, vice president of Community Solar at Nautilus. "TPE is a valued partner with Nautilus in our mission to make clean, affordable energy available to everyone, including low-income households and small businesses."

"Today, we celebrate a milestone in our clean energy journey in Delaware — with the inaugural project that is part of Delaware's Community Energy Facility Program. This will be the first project to reach commercial operation as part of our $100 million commitment to invest in the First State," said Salar Naini, president of TPE.

This solar project will provide electric bill savings to residents and other organizations that subscribe as part of the Community Energy Facility Program. Over its lifetime, this project is expected to generate approximately eight million kilowatt-hours annually, contributing to Delaware's goal of getting 40% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2035, a release stated.

"The use of solar and other renewable forms of energy is essential to protecting our life-sustaining natural world and its resources," said state Sen. Stephanie Hansen, D-Middletown. Hansen has sponsored alternative energy bills and chairs the Senate Energy Committee. "We know that rising energy costs have been a major financial burden for countless Delaware families. Investing in additional, diverse, clean energy sources is not only a win for the environment, but a win in our ongoing effort to lower costs for our constituents and provide energy reliability."

One of the local groups benefiting from the solar project is Springboard Delaware, a non-profit founded in 2020 to create affordable housing solutions that address the root causes of homelessness.

Judson Malone, co-founder and executive director, said, "At Springboard Delaware, we believe housing stability and environmental sustainability go hand-in-hand. Being a beneficiary of this community solar project means we can lower our energy costs while advancing our mission to create safe, dignified housing for our most vulnerable neighbors. We're proud to be part of a project that reflects both economic and environmental justice."

TPE and its partners are committed to making meaningful charitable community investments in every community where their solar projects are developed, including contributions to organizations like Springboard Delaware.

Community solar has been slower to develop as an alternative for lower-income residents who are unable to install rooftop systems. 

Barriers have included local government concerns over solar arrays gobbling up farmland, not-in-my-backyard objections,  and, in some cases, myths about solar panels being linked to cancer.

Other issues include high interest rates, federal program cutbacks and tariffs. Solar accounts for about 8% of electricity generated in Delaware. Much of the electricity consumed from the state comes from coal, natural gas and nuclear plants outside its boundaries.

However, two projects are coming online in Delaware including another, where the ribbon was cut, in Hartly Kent County

Nautilus operates and manages solar farms in 12 states and is responsible for financing, development, maintenance, and customer service throughout the project's lifetime. Nautilus is owned by Power Sustainable, a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Corporation of Canada. Further information on Nautilus Solar Energy is available at  nautilussolar.com. 

TurningPoint Energy is a clean energy development, advisory, and investment company with solar development projects underway throughout the nation.

. Its principals have experience developing solar projects for utility and community solar clients totaling more than $3 billion in value and over two gigawatts of operating solar power plants throughout the United States within the last decade. Further information is available at turningpoint-energy.com.