ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Standard Solar is poised to play a pivotal role in propelling solar energy adoption in Virginia with the acquisition of a 12-megawatt community solar project portfolio from New Leaf Energy. These transformative projects in Chatham and Kilmarnock mark the company’s debut in Virginia’s community solar market and symbolize a crucial step forward in the Commonwealth’s journey toward a more sustainable and solar-powered future.
“These community solar projects are more than just an important addition to our portfolio; they represent our unwavering commitment to expanding access to solar for all,” said Harry Benson, Director of Business Development for Standard Solar. “By providing localized job opportunities and significant allocations for low- and moderate-income customers, these projects embody our vision of a cleaner, more equitable energy future. Beyond that, they strengthen our long-standing partnership with New Leaf Energy, underscoring our joint dedication to advancing renewable energy solutions in the communities we serve.”
Community solar programs enable residents to harness the benefits of solar energy without needing to install panels on their property. This approach is particularly attractive for those who rent, reside in multi-family buildings or face constraints that prevent them from installing solar panels on their roofs.
The three projects, one in Chatham and two in Kilmarnock, Virginia, are transforming the state’s energy landscape. The Kilmarnock projects, with a combined capacity exceeding 7 megawatts, are exclusively allocated to low- and moderate-income (LMI) customers. These projects will empower communities and individuals who may not have had access to clean energy options before.
Once completed, the single-axis tracker systems are expected to generate an estimated 19,811 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean energy annually, significantly reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for Virginia.
This acquisition represents a significant milestone in Standard Solar's ongoing partnership with New Leaf Energy and underscores the company's expanding project portfolio within Virginia. It aligns with the company's mission to make clean energy accessible to all while also contributing to the growth of renewable energy generation in the state.
“New Leaf Energy’s mission is to accelerate the transition to a world powered by renewable energy,” said New Leaf Energy Executive Vice President of Project Finance Brendan Neagle. “Community solar projects are an integral piece of that world, and we’re so proud to partner with Standard Solar as they invest in that mission in Virginia.”
Standard Solar is proud to be at the forefront of the community solar revolution, and this latest venture reinforces its commitment to driving positive environmental change while delivering economic benefits to local communities.
“Projects like these represent a turning point in the state's clean energy journey,” Benson added. “Standard Solar firmly believes that the success of these projects will showcase the paramount importance of eliminating barriers to distributed generation, particularly through shared solar programs.”
In addition to these projects, Standard Solar is taking a leadership role in advancing the shared solar landscape by supporting approximately a dozen other projects currently in Dominion Power's queue. The company is providing crucial investment dollars and a range of services, including subscriber management and engineering and construction support, to help drive these initiatives forward, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
About Standard Solar
Standard Solar, a Brookfield Renewable company, is powering the nation’s energy transformation – channeling its project development capabilities, financial strength and technical expertise to deliver the benefits of solar and solar + storage to businesses and institutions, farms, governments, communities, and utilities. Building on nearly 20 years of sustainable growth and in-house and tax equity investment capital, Standard Solar is a national leader in developing, funding and long-term ownership and operation of commercial and community solar assets. Recognized as an established financial partner with immediate, deep resources, the company owns and operates more than 300 megawatts of solar across the United States. Standard Solar is based in Rockville, Md. Learn more at standardsolar.com, LinkedIn and Twitter: @StandardSolar.
For project acquisition and development inquiries, contact Harry Benson, Director of Project Development, 240-802-6012, harry.benson@standardsolar.com and on LinkedIn.
