Encore Renewable Energy develops community solar project on brownfield
Solar Power World | March 18, 2019
Long View Forest and Encore Renewable Energy announced the commissioning of a 745-kW community solar array on three acres at the new Long View headquarters and wood yard on Ferry Road in Hartland, Vermont. The project is on a 28-acre remediated brownfield property formerly used as a sawmill and lumber treatment facility. Brownfields, because of prior environmental contamination, are deemed prime solar sites under Vermont regulations. “Developing solar projects on undervalued real estate is an emerging market for community-scale solar systems because it’s a good deal for everyone involved,” said Chad Farrell, CEO of Encore Renewable Energy. “It turns land that has previously been neglected into an economic driver for the community, supports Vermont’s transition to a clean energy economy, and saves customers money long-term. It’s a win-win-win proposition.