August 23, 2024
Syncarpha Capital announces that its nearing mechanical completion of its Belfast Community Solar project "Belfast Solar I", and will soon be providing clean energy to the Central Maine Power grid. The solar garden, comprised of three individual fixed tilt, ground-mounted arrays, sits on private land adjacent to the Belfast Municipal Airport (BST) and just two miles from the Belfast fire station. Once operational, this solar garden will help power hundreds of Maine homes and businesses.
Belfast Solar I is designed as a 3.5 MW AC community solar project spanning 13.10 acres of a larger, 52.18-acre site, and consists of three fixed-tilt, ground-mounted solar arrays. The project will feed directly into Central Maine Power’s (CMP) three-phase distribution circuit, delivering solar energy to CMP customers across the region as part of Maine’s Net Energy Billing (NEB) Program.
With a projected lifespan of 20 to 25 years, Belfast Solar I is set to generate clean energy for the long term, helping hundreds of Maine residents to lower their electricity costs while reducing their carbon footprint.
The project is expected to reach its “Permission to Operate” (PTO) date in October 2024, marking the official start of its operation. In its first year, Belfast Solar I is projected to generate 4,612,300.00 kWh annually, equivalent to preventing the emission of over 3,600 metric tons of CO2, making it a major win for both local residents and the environment.
The construction of Belfast Solar I includes state-of-the-art infrastructure, including:
The solar panels will be mounted on frames secured with either push piles or helical augers, depending on soil conditions. The panels will be divided into three zones—west, central, and east—each connected to a transformer before joining the main electrical circuit along Lower Congress Street. While most of the electrical lines will be buried in underground PVC conduit, a small portion will be mounted on wooden utility poles.
The site is designed to minimize its environmental footprint. All development has been planned to avoid field-delineated wetlands, vernal pools, and soils identified during surveys in 2020. Additionally, the project site is outside FEMA-designated floodplains and Shoreland Zone Subdistricts.
Once fully operational, the Belfast Solar I project will provide CMP customers with clean energy at a 15% discount on the solar energy produced for them, without the need for expensive rooftop solar panels.
Security is a priority for the Belfast Solar I project. The facility will be enclosed by a seven-foot-high chain-link fence, with a locked gate providing restricted access to the site. Thoughtful design ensures that the fence allows small animals to pass through while preventing unauthorized access.
Syncarpha has worked closely with environmental experts to ensure the project complies with Maine’s Stormwater Management Chapter 500 requirements, which mitigate surface drainage impacts post-construction.
Maine Residents connected with CMP will have the unique opportunity to purchase the solar energy directly from Syncarpha through this community solar project. By subscribing to Belfast Solar I at no upfront cost, participants will receive solar credits directly on their electricity bills (reducing what they pay to CMP) and enjoy a guaranteed 15% discount on the same solar credits produced for them. This allows participants to support renewable energy, help reduce their community’s carbon footprint, and save on electricity costs—all without installing solar panels on their property.
The Belfast Solar I project is another step forward in Syncarpha’s mission to remove the roadblocks to widespread adoption of solar energy. By participating in Maine’s NEB Program, Syncarpha aims to make clean energy more accessible, affordable, and beneficial to the community.
We encourage all eligible CMP customers to explore this exciting opportunity to join the Belfast Solar I project and enjoy the benefits of renewable energy at a reduced cost. Stay tuned for further updates as we approach the final stages of development and prepare to bring more clean energy to the Belfast area.
Step 1
A developer builds a solar garden and delivers solar energy directly to the local utility. Residents connected to that utility can “subscribe” to the solar garden, reserving a portion of that solar energy for their electricity needs.
Step 2
The utility sends electricity to the residents as usual. Community Solar subscribers will now receive “credits” on their monthly electric bills, reducing what they pay their utility provider for electricity.
Step 3
After paying the remaining balance to the utility, subscribers then pay for their solar credits at a guaranteed discount from their community solar provider, resulting in cost-savings.
If you’d like to better understand how Community Solar billing works and what the billing timeline looks like for subscribers, check out our support videos below:
Maine’s Net Energy Program is essential for promoting the growth of solar energy in the state, particularly through Community Solar project, by providing a stable and supportive framework that benefits developers, utilities, and residents.
Community Solar offers significant advantages, including cost savings, environmental benefits, and greater accessibility to renewable energy.
For more information on how to join this community solar project, get in touch with our support team through email at [email protected] or call us at (888) 55-SOLAR
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