TurningPoint Energy (TPE) has partnered with Nautilus Solar Energy to build six community solar projects totaling 28.7 MWdc across Delaware. Over their lifetime, the projects will generate 50 million kWh annually and contribute to the state’s goal of providing 40% renewable energy by 2035. Construction is scheduled for 2024 and will take place in Kent, New Castle, and Sussex counties.
“This is TurningPoint Energy’s first demonstration of coming through on our overall commitment to invest over $100 million in the Delaware community solar market,” said Salar Naini, Executive VP of TPE.
TPE will develop the projects, and Nautilus will be responsible for overseeing construction, maintaining long-term performance, and acquiring and managing customer subscriptions. All six of the projects will also be part of Delaware’s 2021 community solar program, which removes barriers to participation and requires that 15% of each project’s capacity must be reserved for low-income customers.
“Thanks to [Nautilus and Turning Point Energy], hundreds of our neighbors who otherwise would have been excluded from the solar revolution will soon be able to power their homes and businesses with clean, reliable, and less expensive electricity than what’s available from fossil-fuel burning power plants,” said State Senator Stephanie Hansen.
Current Delmarva Power and Light (DPL) customers will be able to join with no upfront costs, and once operational, the projects will provide clean energy to more than 5,000 residential and small commercial subscribers within DPL’s utility territory.
Additionally, TPE will donate a total of $120,000 to local organizations as part of its community investment commitment. Nautilus plans to match this contribution, guaranteeing local Delaware communities $240,000 in donations.
“This acquisition marks our exciting entry into the Delaware market, a milestone made even more meaningful by our partnership with TPE. This initiative underlines Nautilus's commitment to our partners and reaffirms our aim to be a leading community solar company with projects located across the country,” said Eric Paul, Vice President of Partner Development at Nautilus.
