Standard Solar Acquires Trina Solar’s 6.2 MW Rhode Island Solar Portfolio – pv magazine USA

October 18, 2022Anne Fisher

With the second highest electricity rate in New England and one of the highest in the nation, Rhode Island strongly supports clean energy policies. In fact, the Ocean State was the first to set a goal of meeting 100% of the state’s electricity needs from renewable energy sources by 2030. Sure, it’s a small state, but it’s on its way. Currently ranks 29th^thousand in the country for solar power, SEIA projects it will add another 438 MW over the next five years.

Standard Solar, which recently announced acquisitions of community solar in neighboring states, is now expanding its community solar portfolio in Rhode Island with the acquisition of a combined 6.2 megawatts of projects from Trina Solar. Two community ground-mounted solar projects developed by Trina Solar – West Main 1 and West Main 2 – are located in Portsmouth. Rhode Island. All electricity generated will be subscribed to through the state’s virtual net metering program, and subscribers include state agencies, municipalities, public housing authorities, public schools, private schools, nonprofits, the federal government and hospitals.

“Partnerships in this industry are critical to successful solar projects,” said Michael Streams, Chief Development Officer of Standard Solar. “We are honored to be a trusted growth partner of Trina’s, especially as we help Rhode Island grow its clean energy footprint, and we look forward to developing our mutually beneficial relationship as our company embarks on its next phase of growth.”

Collectively, the arrays are expected to produce around 8,600 MWh of clean energy annually, equivalent to offsetting CO₂ emissions from 4,134,853 pounds of coal burned, charging 454,600,730 smartphones or using electricity in 727 homes for one year. Both projects are expected to be completed in 2023.

“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Standard Solar, one of the fastest growing community solar developers and operators,” said Linhui Sui, President of Trina Solar’s International Solar System Business Unit. “We are committed to developing systems like this to expand customer access to local, clean and affordable public solar energy.”

Standard Solar was recently acquired by Brookfield Renewable for $540 million with the potential to invest an additional $160 million to support business growth initiatives. A typical solar array generates nearly 2 GW and is present in high-cost solar markets in the US such as New York, Maryland, Minnesota and Maine. Standard Solar has also been strong in the community solar market recently completion of the 7.1 MW project in New York.

To learn more about solar power in Rhode Island, read on 50 solar incentives state: Rhode Island.