Encore renewable energya renewable energy developer and operator, completed the first two solar projects it will both own and operate in Maine.
The 4 MW Brooks Solar project. Encore renewable energy
Brooks Solar, a 4 MW solar array in Brooks, and Alpine Street Solar, a 2.3 MW solar array in Oakland, were both powered last month. These are also the first two projects owned and operated by Encore as part of the company’s transition from project developer to a fully integrated independent energy producer. As a long-term asset owner, Encore will manage the operation and maintenance of the projects, including dual-use agricultural services such as solar grazing.
“Every community-scale solar project involves a wide range of stakeholders, and our philosophy as a company is to work as a trusted partner with all parties involved,” said Chad Farrell, founder and co-CEO of Encore Renewable Energy. “When done right, renewables create meaningful opportunities for utilities, electricity customers and developers. Central Maine Power was a great partner on these projects and worked diligently with us to move these projects forward on a timeline that worked for both parties.”
Both projects provide locally generated clean energy to benefit Maine’s economy. Alpine Street Solar’s customers include cities, schools and other major electricity customers, under an offtake arrangement facilitated by Competitive Energy Services based in Portland; and Brooks Solar also provides savings on several municipal customers’ electric bills. Maine’s third-party net energy billing program allows these solar projects to distribute these economic benefits to local communities.
The 2.3 MW Oakland Solar project. Encore renewable energy
“These projects were two of more than 60 solar projects coming online in Maine communities in 2024, totaling 241 new megawatts of new solar energy,” said Eric Sutton, VP of Electric Operations for Central Maine Power. “We strongly support Maine’s climate goals as we continue to connect more projects like this to our electric grid in 2025.”
Agrivoltaic Solutions will utilize local flocks of sheep to graze the land under and around the pasture, strengthening the local agricultural industry and improving long-term soil quality, while providing an efficient, low-carbon vegetation management strategy for the sites.
“We are very pleased to see the Alpine Street and Brooks Solar projects achieving commercial operations,” said Charlie Agnew, VP Competitive Energy Services. “These two projects will provide important long-term economic and sustainability benefits for many of our commercial and institutional customers in Maine.”
News item from Encore Renewable Energy