DCE’s Old Hill Farm solar project tackles topography challenges | Projects Weekly
This edition of the Projects Weekly highlights DCE Solar overcoming challenging terrain, Solar Landscape energizing 14 new community solar projects, Green Lantern Solar adding 30 new projects to its pipeline, plus the latest solar project news from EDP Renewables, Ameresco, Avangrid and ZNShine. Let’s get to it!
Speaking of that challenging terrain …
The Old Hill Farm solar project, developed by Woodfield Renewable Partners, marks a significant step forward in advancing renewable energy in New York. This project exemplifies the power of collaborative problem-solving in solar development. By leveraging cutting-edge racking technology and expert site execution, DCE Solar and DCE Services successfully delivered a structurally sound, high-performing, and visually cohesive solar array. Their work at Old Hill Farm sets a precedent for overcoming complex site conditions and advancing sustainable energy solutions across the United States.
Cool factor: Boasting 6.1 MW and featuring 11,414 Canadian Solar modules, this project faced a formidable challenge — installing a solar array on steep, uneven terrain without excessive land disturbance. To address this, DCE Solar’s Long Span Ground Screw racking system was selected for its adaptability to difficult terrains. Its innovative design reduced foundation points, minimizing ground disruption while maximizing structural stability. However, execution was just as critical as design, and this is where DCE Services played a vital role. Their precision pre-drilling and mechanical installation expertise ensured that the racking system was not only securely placed but also seamlessly integrated into the site’s natural contours.
Solar Landscape energizes 14 new community solar projects in Maryland
Solar Landscape has energized 14 new community solar projects across Maryland, for a total capacity of 6.6 MW, which is fed directly into the state’s power grid.
“Community solar projects like the ones we’ve energized create jobs, reduce energy costs and help Maryland meet its energy needs,” said Solar Landscape CEO and co-founder Shaun Keegan. “Putting large solar installations on commercial rooftops is a smart, shovel-ready energy solution that also pays dividends to building owners.”
Cool factor: These new installations are the first of Solar Landscape’s 57 projects in Maryland, all hosted on commercial rooftops, making it the largest group of community solar projects developed by a single company in Maryland. Once energized, they will collectively provide 55 MWdc of solar capacity, serving 5,870 homes.
Ameresco completes 1.2 MW solar project at Killeen Regional Airport in Texas
Ameresco Inc. has completed Killeen Regional Airport’s solar-integrated covered parking project. The project aims to significantly enhance the traveler experience by offering covered parking in short-term parking and rental lots, along with an LED retrofit throughout the airport. This initiative not only showcases a strong commitment to sustainability but also provides substantial economic benefits by reducing long-term energy costs. This project in the Central Texas region stands as a testament to the vision outlined by airport leadership and their unwavering dedication to creating a sustainable future.
The project was made possible through a competitive grant process with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Terminals Program (ATP). The final scope of the project amounted to over $7 million, with a grant award of $5 million. This investment is estimated to offset 68% of the airport’s purchased electricity.
Cool factor: The 1.2 MW project includes a robust solar energy component, featuring a solar array serving the terminal, a solar array for the rental lot, and a solar array for the short-term parking lot. Additionally, it encompasses a comprehensive terminal lighting retrofit, replacing interior and exterior lights with energy-efficient and longer-lasting LEDs. To further enhance traveler convenience and accessibility, a covered pedestrian walkway has been constructed, seamlessly connecting the terminal to the rental lot.
“This marks our city’s first major solar project,” said Mayor Debbie Nash-King. “It stands as a testament to our staff’s proactive approach to environmental stewardship and our commitment to creating a greener future for generations to come.”
Avangrid delivers first energy from Powell Creek solar project to Ohio grid
Avangrid Inc.’s Powell Creek solar project in Putnam County, Ohio, has begun to export energy onto the local electric grid, representing new energy generation to support growing demand in Ohio and the rest of the region. Avangrid continues with commissioning activities and other related work ahead of commercial operation which is expected later this year.
“Powell Creek is an important, utility-scale solar project that will contribute to Northwest Ohio’s economy and energy independence,” said Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO. “This project is coming online as energy demand continues to rise across the country, partly due to the growth of manufacturing, electrification, and data centers. When we add new sources of energy onto the grid, like Powell Creek, we’re creating a more robust and reliable electricity infrastructure to benefit the local community, region, and state.”
Cool factor: The project will directly support the community through property tax and landowner payments. The project is estimated to contribute over $31 million to local taxing jurisdictions over its life, which supports a variety of public services, including education. This is Avangrid’s second project in Ohio. Avangrid built its Blue Creek project in 2012, which has a capacity of 304 MW.
Powell Creek has a capacity of 150 MWac (202 MWdc) and features 300,000 solar panels. The project has supported about 500 jobs during construction, most of them being local union workers from the region. Powell Creek sits on land leased directly from landowners
ZNShine Solar delivers modules for 67 MW Signal Ranch Solar project in Texas
Manufacturer ZNShine Solar contributed 54.648 MW of high-efficiency bifacial modules to the 67 MW Signal Ranch Solar project. Located at BT Signal Ranch in Quinlan, Texas, the project achieved financial closure on Dec. 15, 2023, through non-recourse financing arranged by EastWest Bank.
Cool factor: Developed by Adapture Renewables and Belltown Power, with SOLV Energy serving as EPC, the project features 550 W bifacial double-glass monocrystalline PERC modules and offers a 30-year operational lifespan with <0.5% annual degradation.
Green Lantern Solar developing 30-project pipeline
Green Lantern Solar is entering a new chapter of growth with renewed momentum, advancing its mission to revitalize underutilized land, empower local communities, and accelerate the nation’s transition to clean, reliable energy. With a growing pipeline of more than 40 solar and storage projects in multiple states, the company is expanding its ability to deliver localized energy solutions that generate long-term value for landowners, businesses, utilities, and communities.
“Every project we develop is an opportunity to generate long-term value for our project communities, for our landowners, for our partners, and for the clean energy future we’re helping to create,” said Scott Buckley, president of Green Lantern Solar.
Cool factor: Green Lantern Solar has added 30 new solar and storage projects to its pipeline in the past 12 months, expanding its ability to deliver localized renewable energy solutions that benefit communities, landowners, businesses, and utilities. The company also has added several new team members and solidified partnerships with leading renewable energy companies.
EDP Renewables adds 100 MW Amazon-backed solar park in Indiana
EDP Renewables North America LLC (EDPR NA) is celebrating the launch of its 100 MW Riverstart III Solar Park in Randolph County, Indiana. This newest third phase of the Riverstart Solar Park continues to enhance the county’s energy resilience, reliability, and affordability while growing the local economy.
The project will provide an estimated $32.8 million to be paid to local governments in the form of tax payments, enabling county and local institutions to grow. Construction of the third phase of Riverstart created over 350 jobs, with multiple jobs to be created throughout its operation. EDPR NA is a renewable energy leader in Indiana, operating clean energy projects totaling 1.7 GW of generating capacity.
Cool factor: Amazon has contracted for all 100 MW through a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA). The project is part of Amazon’s Climate Pledge commitment to meet net-zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2040, as well as the company’s efforts to match 100% of the electricity used by its operations with renewable energy.
