Collins Aerospace and Common Energy, a prominent community solar provider, have joined forces to back a series of four community solar initiatives throughout the greater Portland area. These projects, totaling 12 megawatts in capacity, are anticipated to produce 17 million kilowatt hours of clean energy annually. The electricity generated will be fed directly into the grid, displacing fossil fuel-based generation and reducing carbon emissions, thus offering environmental benefits to the wider Portland community. Ownership and operation of the projects will be overseen by Luminace, a wholly owned subsidiary of Brookfield Renewables.
As per Oregon’s Community Solar Program regulations, the projects will enlist a blend of commercial, residential, and low-income participants. Subscribers will benefit from credits on their electricity bills based on their project share, resulting in reduced energy expenses. Moreover, all participants will receive Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Collins’ Wilsonville facility in Oregon will constitute the commercial portion, serving as a cornerstone for the portfolio. About 10% of the project credits will be earmarked for low-income households, ensuring a fixed 20% reduction in their electricity bills over a 20-year period.
“As part of our roadmap to improve the sustainability of our manufacturing operations, Collins is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at its sites,” said Craig Brown, Wilsonville site leader for Collins. “Through this collaboration with Common Energy and Luminace, we will reduce our Wilsonville plant’s annual carbon emissions by more than 1,000 metric tons—the equivalent of taking 250 gasoline-powered cars off the road for one year. In addition, more than 80% of the facility’s annual electrical consumption will now be allocated from community solar projects.”
“We’re excited to partner with worldclass companies like Collins Aerospace and Luminace to energize community solar projects across the country,” said Richard Keiser, founder and CEO of Common Energy. “These projects will bring economic savings and environmental benefits to businesses and consumers across the greater Portland region.”
“As one of the leading distributed generation platforms in the U.S., we are excited to expand our working relationship with Common Energy as well as support our mutual client Collins Aerospace with their greenhouse gas emissions reduction initiatives,” said Brendon Quinlivan, Luminace’s Chief Executive Officer.
Discover more from SolarQuarter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
