Standard Solar and Acadia Energy Partner Up to Develop Solar Farm in Maine

Standard Solar, a leader in the acquisition, development, ownership, and operation of commercial and community solar, is entering a partnership with Acadia Energy to establish a 7.5 megawatt (MW) solar farm in an industrial park in the town of Fort Fairfield, Maine.

The project will lease land from Smith’s Farm, and land previously used for a biomass power facility belonging to ReEnergy Biomass Operations, which transferred the site to the town after the facility was decommissioned.

“The Fort Fairfield project will transform the least desirable area of the former industrial site into a clean energy producer that benefits the community while creating additional lots for the Town to lease or sell,” said Eric Partyka, Director of Business Development, Standard Solar.

“The Town is showing tremendous leadership and vision in taking this step toward a more sustainable future. We are proud to partner with Acadia Energy to bring the Town and Aroostook County the benefits of local clean energy.”

“Former industrial sites are ideal for solar energy development,” said Glenn Walker of Acadia Energy. “Our partnership with Standard Solar on the Fort Fairfield project will provide a model that can be followed throughout Maine and around the U.S., showing how to successfully transition industrial sites with limited potential into a solar farm that will save money for local businesses and benefit the environment.”

“Fort Fairfield’s Town Manager, Andrea Powers, and the Town Council were instrumental in helping to appropriately site the project, while at the same time creating additional value for the Town through the preservation of several prime industrial sites for future development,” echoed Partyka and Walker.

The fixed tilt ground mount system is expected to produce 9,112 megawatt-hours in the first year of its functioning. Smith’s Farm will use about 10 percent of the power generated. The remainder will aid other commercial and industrial organizations throughout Aroostook County.

Construction on the project is expected to begin in May, with completion targeted for the fourth quarter of this year.