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DSD Renewables (DSD) has acquired a six-site community solar-plus-energy storage project portfolio in southeastern Massachusetts from Borrego. Featuring 45 megawatts (MW) of solar PV and 88 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage installations, the projects will enable local businesses and residents, including low-income subscribers, to access the benefits of affordable renewable energy. The combined capacity of the projects will generate enough clean energy each year to offset the equivalent of 42,882 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
These projects will generate enough clean energy to offset the equivalent of 42,882 metric tons of CO2 each year.
The portfolio is part of the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program, a long-term, sustainable solar incentive program to promote cost-effective solar development across the state. The community solar portion of the portfolio qualifies for Massachusetts’ Low Income Community Shared Solar program, providing electricity bill credits to low-income subscribers. The offtake will be a mix of community solar and commercial and industrial businesses, with Markley Group as one of the anchor tenants, as announced recently.
“This portfolio represents the strength and success of Massachusetts’ solar programs and incentives, and we’re looking forward to doing more work in the region in the future,” says Andrew Thurston, Director of Asset Acquisitions at DSD.
“Partnering with Borrego has enabled these six projects to bring maximum value and impact to the region, and together we are making clean energy affordable for low-income communities,” says Amol Kapur, Vice President of Acquisitions and Strategic Origination at DSD.
Set to begin construction in 2023, the six sites will feature ground-mounted solar-plus-storage systems. Two sites will be located in Acushnet – one with 7 MW of solar and 6.86 MWh of storage, and the second with 10.4 MW of solar and 19.99 MWh of storage. Two will be located in Freetown – one with 1.5 MW of solar and 3.37 MWh of storage, and the second with 12.9 MW of solar and 26.6 MWh of storage. The other two sites will be a 2.3 MW solar and 5 MWh storage installation in Plymouth and an 11.1 MW solar and 20 MWh storage installation in Wareham.
“Partnering with such a stable and efficient capital provider like DSD has enabled this portfolio to achieve its full potential,” says Borrego Vice President of Project Finance Adam Feldman. “We’re accelerating community solar adoption for those who can benefit most while instituting a clean energy future for more residents and businesses of Massachusetts.”
