Maine community solar is a state-incentivized program dedicated to strengthening renewable energy and fostering community resilience. According to SEIA, by the end of Q4 2024, 1,771 megawatts of solar energy were installed in Maine, which is enough to power 323,061 homes. With 28 community solar farms and over 13,700 customers in the state of Maine, Nautilus Solar Energy® boosts the local economy with each solar project. Let's dive into the success stories of a few Nautilus solar farms and see how they're making a difference in Maine.

Norridgewock Solar Farm

The Norridgewock Solar Farm in Maine is more than just a 2-megawatt power generator. It's a symbol of resilience in the Norridgewock community. In December of 2023, a devastating flood submerged the entire farm, forcing it offline. But the story doesn't end there.

With incredible teamwork, the solar farm was completely rebuilt and successfully reenergized in November 2024. Today, the Norridgewock Solar Farm serves a community of 438 solar subscribers.

Fryeburg and Wells Solar Farms

Energized in 2022 and 2023, the Wells and Fryeburg Solar Farms in Maine have made significant strides in reducing carbon emissions. These two sites produce 14.03 million kWh annually, which is equivalent to removing 2,212 cars from the road.

In partnership with Green Clean Solar, a specialist in solar panel recycling, these farms have addressed the environmental impact of solar panel waste. Between the 4.75-megawatt Wells site and the 6.9-megawatt Fryeburg farm, 14.11 tons of damaged solar panels, approximately 512 modules, have been recycled and brought to life again. This initiative has efficiently reclaimed valuable metals like silicon, silver, and aluminum, diverting them from landfills. 

To learn more about these solar farms, read the detailed case study.

Quarry Solar Farm

Nestled in beautiful North Berwick, Maine, the Quarry Solar Farm stands as a testament to innovation and sustainability. Built on an old gravel pit, this land has been restored and transformed into a 5-megawatt solar farm. This farm generates 10 million kWh of energy annually, which is equivalent to taking 1,500 cars off the road or avoiding the emission of 7 metric tons of greenhouse gases. Pivoting single axis technology is used across the farm allowing the panels to follow the sun throughout the day, maximizing energy production. This farm supports 20-25 full-time positions for electrical and vegetation management crews.

In June 2023, we celebrated the grand opening of this remarkable site. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a joyous occasion, highlighting the positive impact this farm would have on community solar in Maine. You can re-live the excitement and watch the video of the event. 

Shaker Solar Farm

Situated in Gray, Maine, the Shaker Solar Farm is a 6.2-megawatt farm built on a swampy strip of land between two highways. This unique location, pictured at the top of this page, not only provides a stunning view for passing travelers but also keeps the land green and growing while generating solar power for local commercial customers. 

The Shaker Solar Farm exemplifies how Maine renewable energy projects can harmonize with the environment and contribute to achieving ESG goals. For an in-depth look at this project and the ESG goals to which these farms contribute, read our case study.

These Maine community solar farm success stories are just a few examples of the monumental work being done in the solar industry around the United States and the world. In 2024 alone, there were over 600 new solar farms built in the United States, and each farm has its own unique story.