What are some successful examples of community solar projects in local governments

Several local governments have successfully implemented community solar projects that demonstrate the benefits of renewable energy access, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. Here are some notable examples:

Successful Community Solar Projects in Local Governments

Turin Solar Facility, Lewis County, NY
This 3.4 MWdc project began operation in June 2021 in rural Turin, New York. It provides clean solar energy to the local community, generating more than 4.6 million kWh of electricity annually. This project exemplifies how small towns can leverage community solar to support sustainable energy solutions and empower residents and businesses with clean power.

Sugar Hill Solar Farm, Clifton Park, NY
Operating since 2020, this 6.9 MWdc ground-mounted solar array spans 40 acres and produces 8.6 million kWh of renewable energy annually. The facility features nearly 20,000 solar modules and demonstrates environmental stewardship by repurposing land for sustainable energy production, significantly reducing carbon emissions. It provides power to hundreds of community subscribers and stands as a high benchmark for community solar projects in local settings.

Denmark Community Solar Project, Denmark, NY
This project is tailored to a rural, agricultural community, producing more than 8.9 million kWh of clean energy yearly. As the largest single solar site reporting to New York State’s Distributed Energy Resource database, it supports local residents and businesses while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The initiative highlights the adaptability of community solar models to meet regional economic and environmental goals.

Seattle City Light Community Solar Projects, Seattle, WA
Seattle City Light operates four community solar projects with approximately 1,300 participants. Together, these projects generate around 190,000 kWh annually. Notably, the Community Solar on Phinney Ridge project, a collaboration with Woodland Park Zoo and the Phinney Neighborhood Association, produces about 75,000 kWh yearly from rooftop installations on zoo buildings and community centers. These projects demonstrate collaboration between utilities, local governments, and community organizations to expand solar access.

Greenbank Farm Community Solar and Kingston Community Solar, Washington
These examples in Washington state illustrate community solar development on public and community-owned land, enhancing local renewable energy availability and community involvement.

Arlington Microgrid Project, Snohomish County, WA
Part of the Arlington Microgrid and Clean Energy Technology Center, this community solar array integrates renewable energy with advanced microgrid technology to improve grid resiliency. It shows innovative local government approaches to combining community solar with grid modernization.

Grand Valley Power, Colorado
Grand Valley Power’s first community solar system started as a modest 17 kW installation funded with local resources. The project has since grown, serving as a grassroots example of utility-backed community solar that builds local capacity and renewable energy use.

These projects highlight key success factors such as community involvement, leveraging local resources, tailoring solutions to community needs, and partnerships with utilities and organizations. They demonstrate how local governments can lead and support community solar initiatives that expand renewable energy access, promote sustainability, and generate economic and environmental benefits for their residents.