Ampion Renewable Energy has successfully launched five new community solar farms in Maine, adding 25 megawatts (MW) of clean energy to the grid annually and generating over 28 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. These solar farms, located in Franklin, Aroostook, Penobscot, and Washington Counties, will serve customers in Versant Power and Central Maine Power territories. By subscribing to these solar farms, residential households and businesses can save up to 15% on their electricity bills while supporting Maine’s transition to clean energy.
Nate Owen, CEO of Ampion, who grew up in Maine and founded the company in Bar Harbor in 2014, believes that community solar is an invaluable state program that provides Mainers with many benefits. “It bolsters the local economy, improves grid resilience, and is available to all types of electricity consumers,” Owen said.
Ampion has already signed up 1,700 households and 70 businesses to these new community solar projects and will handle billing and customer care for the next 20 years. The company is also expanding its Maine workforce to support this growth, with about 10% of its employees already based in the state.
Ampion has also partnered with local organizations, such as The Highlands, a senior living community in Topsham, to help them save money on electricity while supporting the local economy and clean energy.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, as of Q3 2020, Maine had 1415 MW of solar installed and has a projected growth of 1581 MW over the next five years. This expansion of community solar projects by Ampion will contribute significantly to this growth and help Maine reach its clean energy goals.
If you live in an area that experiences frequent natural disasters and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar, can help you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you at competitive prices. By using EnergySage, you can save 20-30% compared to going it alone, and their unbiased Energy Advisers will guide you through the process. Get started today and join the clean energy movement in Maine.