1.8MW project brings access to renewable, locally produced solar energy
SUMMIT, NEW JERSEY (July 16, 2021) – Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC, ("Nautilus") a leading owner-operator of solar projects throughout the United States, today announced the opening of Maryland's largest community solar project dedicated to providing over half (54%) of the power generated to the low-to-moderate income (LMI) community. Located in Kingsville, Maryland, the 1.8 MW project brings access to clean, solar energy to 293 Maryland homes, including 157 LMI residents within the Baltimore Gas & Electric Company (BGE) service territory.
"The opening of this community solar project is significant as it epitomizes Nautilus's pledge to provide equitable, affordable access to community solar for all Marylanders," said Jim Rice, co-Founder and co-CEO of Nautilus Solar. "We are grateful to the State of Maryland for leading the way by offering disadvantaged communities a choice to receive the economic and environmental benefits of locally-produced, clean energy."
Qualified under the Maryland Community Solar Pilot Program, the community solar farm in Kingsville is one of twelve Nautilus projects (six operating and six in development) with a dedicated 30-54% of capacity to LMI community. Nautilus received grant funding from the Maryland Energy Administration to offer LMI subscribers a guaranteed 25% discount on the community solar portion of their electric bill; all other customers are guaranteed to save 10% annually.
Dr. Mary Beth Tung, Director of the Maryland Energy Administration said, "MEA is deeply committed to ensuring that all residents and businesses, regardless of income, have access to the growing Clean Energy economy. Community solar is an ideal solution to provide real world savings by reducing the energy cost burden for low-to-moderate income Marylanders. I congratulate the Nautilus Solar team for implementing this project. This project is certainly a textbook example of government agencies working with commercial enterprises toward bettering the lives of all Marylanders."
The community solar project was developed by Power52 Energy Solutions, a renewable energy job placement and career training organization for at-risk adults, returning citizens, and underserved individuals in Baltimore City, pursuant to BGE's community solar pilot program approved by the State. Nautilus will serve as the owner-operator responsible for the project management, long-term asset management, and maintenance services for the project.
"This project aligns perfectly with our mission to bring the benefit of solar to everyone, and not just the select few," said Gary Skulnik, CEO of Neighborhood Sun whose company is responsible for ongoing customer management of the project. "Working with the Nautilus team, we were able to reach underserved communities and groups in the Baltimore area and provide them with significant savings while cleaning up the local air."
Community solar is unique in that it provides Maryland residents, previously unable to afford or access solar energy, with opportunity to subscribe to a Nautilus local solar project and save money without the need to invest in or install a system on their roof. Community solar has become the fastest growing segments of the solar market with over 1GW of installed capacity, enough to power about 140,000 households. Today, twenty states and the District of Columbia allow community solar programs, creating local jobs and spurring local economic investment.
Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC is a leading owner-operator of solar projects serving the community solar market and corporate customers throughout the United States. A pioneer in solar energy since 2006, Nautilus is committed to creating a clean, sustainable future by offering an equitable and affordable renewable energy choice. Through its Community Solar initiative, Nautilus is making solar energy available to a broader marketplace, including low to middle income (LMI) households and unrated businesses that wish to reduce their carbon footprint and utility bills.
Nautilus is wholly owned by Power Sustainable, a global multi-platform alternative asset manager with a long-term investment approach focused on sustainable strategies. Nautilus owns solar projects throughout their entire lifecycle enabling Nautilus, along with entrusted local partners, to fulfill its promise of creating a better world by powering communities with clean energy for the long term.
For more information on Nautilus Solar Energy visit https://nautilussolar.com/. Join Nautilus on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter for more information.
Photo caption: At a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Kingsville, MD site, Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC, ("Nautilus") announced the opening of Maryland's largest community solar project dedicated to providing over half (54%) of the power generated to the low-to-moderate income (LMI) community. Attendees included Divesh Gupta, Director of Strategy, Utility of the Future of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, Commissioner Michael Richard of Maryland Public Service Commission, Chris Rice, Chief of Staff of Maryland Energy Administration, Gary Skulnick, CEO of Neighborhood Sun, Jim Rice, co-CEO of Nautilus, representatives of SolAmerica, DMW, and residential subscribers to the project.
Carlene Pruitt
Communications Specialist, Nautilus Solar Energy LLC
carlene@nautilussolar.com