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Sustainable development

Rhode Island Housing Authorities to Benefit from Three New Solar Projects

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Two New England leaders in sustainable energy solutions, Nautilus Solar Energy and Veolia North America, are partnering to support the Public Housing Association of Rhode Island (PHARI) in developing three new solar projects across the state. The collaboration will provide guaranteed energy savings to nine housing authorities and bring electricity to thousands of low-income residents. The solar panel fields will cover over 55 acres and generate over 20 million kilowatt hours of electricity, reducing energy costs for the housing authorities in a region with high energy costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project will provide guaranteed energy savings of approximately $30 million over the next 20 years.
  • The three solar projects will cover over 55 acres and generate over 20 million kilowatt hours of electricity.
  • The energy generated from the projects will be fed into the electric utility territory of The Narragansett Electric Company (NEC), a subsidiary of National Grid.
  • Nautilus Solar Energy will be responsible for overseeing construction, ongoing management, and maintaining long-term performance for the life of the projects, estimated at 25 to 30 years.
  • The project is expected to start construction in the first half of 2022.
  • The partnership between Nautilus and Veolia North America/PHARI will reduce utility costs for many years to come, freeing up resources for property maintenance, facility improvements, and operational support.
  • The project is significant as it exemplifies Nautilus's pledge to provide equitable, affordable access to community solar for all Rhode Islanders.
  • The energy savings from the project will improve the quality of life for future generations while enhancing the ability to serve current residents.

Statistics:

  • Over 55 acres will be covered by the three solar panel fields.
  • The solar projects will generate over 20 million kilowatt hours of electricity.
  • The energy savings over the next 20 years will be around $30 million.
  • The projects are expected to start construction in the first half of 2022.
  • The partnership involves nine separate housing authorities in Rhode Island, including Providence, North Providence, Newport, Cranston, Smithfield, Warwick, Warren, Bristol, and Lincoln.

Sources:

  • Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC: https://nautilussolar.com/
  • Veolia: https://www.veolia.com/
  • Veolia North America: https://www.veolianorthamerica.com/
  • Businesswire: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211013005676/en/

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