Dollar Tree recently teamed up with DSD Renewables to deploy a community solar portfolio at select Dollar Tree and Family Dollar locations in New York. These seven projects totaling 41.75 MW will help the company meet operational energy demands while supporting solar programs for various local communities and small businesses.
The portfolio is estimated to generate 55.77 GWh of clean energy annually. Dollar Tree will offtake 16.67 MW of the larger portfolio, offsetting 29% of energy needs across 184 Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores in New York. Two of the projects are already under asset operation, and the remaining five under construction are expected to be operational in stages starting in fall 2023.
Earlier this year, Dollar Tree announced its commitment to set a science-based net zero target by June 30, 2024. To help achieve future emissions reduction targets, the company is assessing renewable energy procurement, including community solar.
“Community solar is a unique and emerging energy solution for many of our facilities. Serving as an anchor subscriber will power our facilities with renewable energy and help us toward our future Net Zero commitment,” said Jennifer Silberman, chief sustainability officer at Dollar Tree Inc. “Simultaneously, it allows us to deliver real benefits to the communities we serve, increasing access to clean, affordable energy for residents and local businesses.”
NRG Energy assisted in issuing a request for proposals (RFP) to find the right partner. Given its extensive experience with developing innovative community solar projects in New York and across the nation, DSD was selected to develop the projects. Dollar Tree would serve as an anchor tenant subscriber — offtaking a majority of the energy generated — for the seven-project community solar portfolio, to be built by DSD in East Syracuse, Cortland, Remsen, Medina, Silver Creek and Brier Hill.
“We’re excited to have household names and recognized industry leaders like Dollar Tree and Family Dollar supporting our community solar portfolio,” said Katie Kavanaugh, community solar manager at DSD. “Not only are we determined to help them reach their energy goals, but their participation as an anchor offtaker introduces the necessary backing to more readily deploy our projects, opening up access to communities that may not have had a chance to partake in these programs otherwise.”
— Solar Builder magazine
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