Delaware’s Sussex County Welcomes Large-Scale Solar Project
A significant shift in the way Delaware generates and distributes electricity has taken place in Sussex County, with the launch of a new 9,000-module solar array built off Trap Pond Road in Georgetown. The project, developed by community solar developers Nautilus Solar Energy and TurningPoint Energy, marks a major milestone in the state’s efforts to increase its renewable energy production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
According to Democratic state Sen. Stephanie Hansen, who represents parts of Newcastle County, Sussex County has historically relied on energy sent from distant power plants, which can result in energy losses during transportation. "We have very little in the way of generation in Sussex County," Hansen said, as quoted in a report by WHYY News. "Most of the energy that we use comes from outside of our states, and most of the energy that we actually generate in-state comes from way north of here. That has to be transported down here … and it comes at, oftentimes, when it’s really hot, when it’s really cold — congestion pricing, where there are losses of the energy that you get from just traveling that distance."
The new solar farm, located on a 35.6-acre property, will generate 4.7 megawatts of power and is surrounded by a 25-foot-wide landscaped buffer. It is the first of six planned community solar installations that TurningPoint expects to develop, which would generate 30 megawatts of power across the state. The project will benefit roughly 750 households and small businesses, with low-income households receiving a 20% discount on their electric bills, while others will benefit from a 10% cut.
As reported by WHYY News, Eric LaMora, vice president of community solar for Nautilus, praised Delaware’s community solar program, saying, "Delaware did a very good job in how they designed this program. Every project, at least 15% of the energy goes to benefit low-income households." LaMora also noted that the company’s two other projects in the area will direct 50% of the power to Delmarva Power’s low-income customers.
Delaware’s community solar initiative is part of a broader climate strategy, which aims to source 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035, including a dedicated goal of 10% from solar. The state also aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The project’s financing benefited from federal solar tax credits, which expanded under the Biden administration to help jump-start the green energy economy and tackle climate change.
According to WHYY News, LaMora said, "[The tax credits] allow us to leverage our capital to build more projects offering discounted electricity to a greater number of households and support the growing demand for electricity." The project is a significant step towards achieving Delaware’s renewable energy goals and provides an innovative solution for residents who may not have had access to rooftop solar.
The launch of this project demonstrates the growing importance of renewable energy in Delaware and the efforts of the state to reduce its carbon footprint. As reported by WHYY News, the project will start flowing power in a couple of months, providing a cleaner and more efficient source of energy for Sussex County residents. With the state’s commitment to increasing its renewable energy production, it is likely that more projects like this will be developed in the future.
In conclusion, the new solar project in Sussex County marks a significant milestone in Delaware’s efforts to increase its renewable energy production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As WHYY News reports, the project will provide a cleaner and more efficient source of energy for residents, while also supporting the state’s climate goals. With the growing demand for renewable energy, it is likely that more projects like this will be developed in the future, providing a sustainable solution for the state’s energy needs.
