Agilitas Energy’s coupled 9.6 MW solar PV and 13.4 MWh energy storage system (ESS) project in Rochester, Massachusetts, has reached commercial operation. The project’s development rights were originally acquired by the company in 2020. With construction and interconnection now completed, the deployment will bring renewable power to more than 1,800 homes.
A part of the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program, the project will serve as a community solar facility to provide local businesses with cost savings. Well-known Massachusetts grocery chain Roche Brothers will serve as the anchor subscriber of the project.
Community Solar programs benefit multiple customers, such as individuals, businesses or nonprofits, allowing them to sign a power purchase agreement (PPA) to buy power at discount when compared to utilities’ standard rate. As they will with this Agilitas Energy project, customers typically receive an electric bill credit for electricity generated by their share in the community solar program — similar to someone who might have rooftop panels installed on their home.
The energy storage component of the project not only increases the total output of the solar array, but will provide peak-shaving capabilities to stabilize the grid’s power supply.
Project details:
- Where: Old Middleboro Rd., Rochester, MA
- Type: DC-coupled PV + ESS
- Solar array: 9.6 MW
- Energy storage system: 13.4 MWh
- Off-taker: Community solar with credit anchor
“Local businesses are the backbone of this country and by building a community solar project for Rochester-area businesses to benefit from, Agilitas Energy is making good on our belief that everyone can come along for our country’s ongoing energy transition,” said Barrett Bilotta, president, CEO and cofounder of Agilitas Energy, one of the largest integrated developers, builders and owner/operators of distributed energy storage and solar PV systems in the northeastern United States. “We’re looking forward to building on these recent local successes and expanding our national footprint to accelerate that transition in communities nationwide.”
In addition to this project, Agilitas Energy is actively constructing or developing several other coupled solar PV and energy storage projects under the SMART program in various towns across the Commonwealth and is currently seeking projects at all stages of development across the country.
— Solar Builder magazine
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