SUMMIT, NJ (June 8, 2021) – Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC (“Nautilus”) and TurningPoint Energy (“TPE”) announce the King community solar project located in North Smithfield, Rhode Island has reached mechanical completion and will be fully operational in July. The 15.68 MWdc (12.44 MWac) project, made of two solar arrays, collectively represent the largest community solar project in Rhode Island and will provide more than 3,000 Rhode Island National Grid customers with energy savings from subscribing to the project.
The project is owned and operated by Nautilus and originally developed by TPE. Former Governor and current US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the project in November 2019. The project required significant collaboration between Nautilus, TPE, Town of North Smithfield, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) as the project lies adjacent to the Landfill & Resource Recovery, Inc superfund site, which is currently undergoing a long-term remedial response under the oversight of the EPA.
“The community solar pilot program in Rhode Island presents a unique opportunity for residential customers to participate in the clean energy economy and directly save money on their utility bills,” said Jim Rice, co-CEO and co-Founder of Nautilus Solar.
“We are hopeful that the legislature and new administration continue to build on this momentum by expanding the pilot program to allow for more projects like King to be developed in the State,” added Jeffrey Cheng, President of Nautilus Solar.
“The King solar project has been a well-received project from inception and represents the importance of partnership between industry and the local community in identifying prime siting targets. While not all projects can be located on previously disturbed land, this project was particularly rewarding due to the environmental contamination and limited alternative uses,” said Jared Schoch of TurningPoint Energy.
The King solar project is part of the State of Rhode Island’s Community Net Metering Solar Pilot Program which has helped to create hundreds of temporary jobs and provide savings to thousands of Rhode Island residents that have subscribed to the project. There are still limited spots available for interested National Grid Rhode Island residents: https://nautilussolar.com/community-solar
About Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC
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 and/or visit www.nautilussolar.com for more information.
About TurningPoint Energy
TurningPoint Energy is a clean energy development, advisory and investment company with solar development projects underway throughout the United States. Its principals have experience developing solar projects for utility and community solar clients totaling more than $2.5 billion in value over 1.1GW of operating solar power plants throughout the United States within the last decade. TurningPoint Energy is a lean, privately held firm that adapts to its clients’ needs and finds ways to invest in its clients and their communities…at every turning point. For more information about TurningPoint Energy, visit https://turningpoint-energy.com.
Media Inquiries:
For Nautilus: Cathy W. McAuliffe, Marketing Coordinator, Nautilus Solar Energy LLC (o) 908-795-3041, cathy @ nautilussolar.com
For TurningPoint: Elaine Schoch, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Eschoch @ tpoint-e.com