Building a Better Energy Future
Vermont Community Solar
by Shruti Gupta, Investor Development Associate
Sunwealth’s 719 kW community solar project at T&T Solar Farms, Shaftsbury, VT.
At Sunwealth, we summarize our work with the tagline “invest in a better energy future”. What does that look like? Vermont might be a good place to start.
By the year 2050, Vermont plans to produce 90% of its energy from renewable sources. Currently, it has the largest share of in-state electricity net generation from renewable resources of any state, and solar energy’s contribution more than tripled between 2015 and 2019 for a total of over 380 MW installed – enough to power nearly 70,000 homes. Vermont is also ranked third in the nation for per capita solar jobs; more than one in twenty Vermonters are employed in the clean energy sector.
Vermont leads the country in renewables, and Sunwealth is excited to be a part of their better energy future.
The Project
Sunwealth recently partnered with fellow B-Corp Encore Renewable Energy to complete a 719 kW community solar project with T&T Solar Farms, located in Shaftsbury, VT. The project’s energy savings will go toward the Town of Shelburne, VT, as well as the Wells Spring Unified School District. The project is expected to save over $450,000 during its lifetime.
Wells Spring District Manager Louis Milazzo described the district’s involvement with the project as part of a greater picture – another step forward for Vermont’s thriving clean energy movement. In fact, some of the schools within the district already have access to solar. “The kids are already used to it, and acclimated to it, because of Vermont,” he said. “[This project] helps make solar available to them if they decide to pursue learning more about it.”
Sunwealth has completed more than half a dozen solar installations in the state, serving a range of beneficiaries, including schools such as those in the Wells Spring District, nonprofits, and municipalities like the Town of Shelburne. Together, these projects will not only offset over 35,000 metric tons of carbon over their lifespan, but are also expected to save their offtakers upwards of $1M.
Our Vision
Sunwealth envisions a better energy future that achieves 100% renewables and shares the benefits of the green revolution with all communities. We work toward this by financing and managing projects that benefit diverse communities through clean power, carbon reduction, cost savings, and job creation.
Sunwealth and Vermont’s clean energy workforce share many of these priorities. We are proud to be a part of their green revolution through our community solar projects, which help ensure a just and equitable transition to the better energy future ahead.
