#United States #Community Solar #EDPR NA #Bristol I #Bristol, Maine

EDPR North America Completes Bristol I Community Solar Project

EDPR NA Distributed Generation LLC has officially completed the Bristol I community solar project located in Bristol, Maine. This significant milestone, achieved as of February 5, 2025, marks an important addition to Maine's renewable energy landscape. The 3.4 megawatt (MWac) facility is designed to strengthen the region's energy resilience and support local subscribers, providing them with reduced electric bills.

The Bristol I project showcases EDPR NA DG's commitment to the community solar sector, adding to its impressive portfolio of over 61 MWac distributed across 32 projects in six states. Furthermore, an additional 27 MWac of community solar initiatives are currently underway, promising to enhance renewable energy access for even more residents.

Community Impact and Benefits

The power generated by the Bristol I project will serve more than 400 residential and small business subscribers from southern Maine. These local subscribers have taken advantage of the opportunity to procure energy directly from the solar project through a partnership with PowerMarket, helping to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility over energy production.

EDPR NA DG collaborated with local developer Midcoast Solar to bring the Bristol I project to fruition, with construction services provided by ES Electric Company. The company prioritized engaging local firms and contractors during the development process, reflecting its deep-rooted connections within the Maine area.

David Kane, the Director of Development at EDPR NA DG, expressed his pride in participating in the project, stating, "As a proud Mainer, I'm honored not only to have been part of the development team for Bristol I, but to be a customer of the project as well." This local involvement symbolizes a significant community-driven effort within Maine's progressive energy transition, which currently boasts over 600 MW of solar power connected to its grid.

Economic Contributions

Beyond generating clean energy, the Bristol I project is contributing economically to the Bristol community. Since 2023, it has generated more than $123,000 in tax payments, which are supporting vital services such as education, public safety, and road maintenance. The construction phase alone created over 40 jobs, further boosting the local economy as workers frequented local restaurants, hotels, and shops during the installation process.

Eliza Donoghue, Executive Director of the Maine Renewable Energy Association, praised the project, stating, "Maine is a leader in developing reliable, affordable, clean, and homegrown energy for its residents and its economy. Partners like EDPR NA Distributed Generation and community solar projects like Bristol I are what the state needs to continue to grow as it responsibly invests in its energy future and maintains grid reliability."

Future Prospects

EDPR NA and EDPR NA DG have been active participants in Maine's renewable energy sector for over two decades, working on both utility-scale and distributed solar projects. In addition to the Bristol I, there are multiple other solar initiatives in the pipeline, indicating a continual expansion of the company's footprint within the state.

Through its commitment to community engagement and renewable energy innovation, EDPR NA DG is not only enhancing Maine's energy supplies but also bolstering local economies and paving the way for a sustainable energy future. For anyone interested in more information, EDPR NA DG's website offers resources that detail their various projects and contributions to the energy sector.

For further inquiries, visit EDPR NA DG's website and follow them on LinkedIn for updates on new initiatives and community engagements.