Northern Sun Energy Energizes 13 MW Solar Project For Poland Spring Bottling Facility In Maine

Northern Sun Energy, a leading solar and energy storage Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company, has successfully completed and energized a new behind-the-meter solar installation for Poland Spring’s national bottling and manufacturing facility located near Portland, Maine. The facility, where Poland Spring bottles are produced and filled, will now benefit from an on-site renewable energy source that supports the company’s ongoing efforts toward sustainability and responsible operations. The achievement was also featured in a project spotlight video by EPC Powerflex, which highlighted the development and installation process behind the solar system.

The solar project has been installed on approximately 50 acres of land owned by the company. The system itself is owned by Onyx Renewables, while Northern Sun Energy served as the general contractor responsible for carrying out the EPC work on behalf of Powerflex. The project required careful coordination and technical expertise because the location presented a number of operational and engineering challenges. Northern Sun’s focus on worker safety, detailed planning, and innovative problem-solving played an important role in ensuring that the installation was completed successfully.

One of the major challenges involved connecting the solar system directly to the facility’s internal electrical infrastructure. Since the project was designed as a behind-the-meter system, the solar feeder had to be connected directly to the building’s electrical network rather than to the wider utility grid. In order to accomplish this, the feeder line needed to cross beneath two active asphalt roadways within the facility. These roads support continuous vehicle movement for plant operations that run around the clock, making safety and traffic coordination critical during installation. Northern Sun’s team implemented additional safety protocols and carefully scheduled work to ensure that construction activities did not interfere with daily plant operations or put workers at risk.

Another complex aspect of the project involved the interconnection with the facility’s existing electrical equipment. The Northern Sun team had to intercept two parallel electrical feeders that originate from a nearby substation and deliver power to the plant. These feeders were located within a concrete duct bank, which meant the team had to work with extreme precision to access the infrastructure without damaging the active electrical lines.

To manage this challenge, the construction team used hydro-vac excavation technology. This technique allowed them to carefully remove soil using high-pressure water and vacuum equipment, which exposed the duct bank while minimizing the risk of damage to the underground electrical components. Once the duct bank was safely exposed, the team prepared the area for controlled demolition and reconnection work. Months of careful planning and engineering preparation ensured that the scheduled shutdown of the system and the final electrical tie-in were carried out smoothly and efficiently.

The solar installation includes more than 23,000 photovoltaic modules manufactured by Canadian Solar. These panels are supported by OMCO fixed-tilt racking systems designed to maintain optimal positioning for sunlight exposure. The system is built on strong C-channel foundations that provide stability and durability for long-term operation. Energy generated by the solar modules is converted and managed using SMA Sunny Highpower PEAK3 inverters, which help ensure efficient power conversion and reliable system performance.

Scott Pfaff, Vice President of Construction Operations and Managing Partner at Northern Sun Energy, emphasized the level of coordination and teamwork required to complete the project. He explained that bringing the system online required collaboration between multiple partners along with innovative thinking and persistence in addressing the technical challenges encountered during construction. As the project reaches its final commissioning phase, the solar installation is expected to provide consistent clean energy to support the facility’s operations.

The behind-the-meter solar system will also help reduce pressure on the regional electricity grid by generating power directly at the manufacturing site. By producing energy where it is consumed, the system improves energy efficiency while contributing to greater grid stability. At the same time, it supports Poland Spring’s broader environmental commitments and long-term operational goals.

Poland Spring has a long history in the United States, dating back to 1845. Over the decades, the company has grown into the most widely sold bottled beverage brand in the northeastern United States. Alongside its business growth, the company has also worked to reduce its environmental impact through various sustainability initiatives. Since 2004, Poland Spring has reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 1,500 tons as part of its efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas output.

The new solar installation represents another important step in those efforts. The project aligns with Poland Spring’s participation in several environmental initiatives within the state of Maine. The company is a member of the Maine Governor’s Carbon Challenge, a program that encourages organizations to take measurable steps toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Poland Spring also participates in the Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s “Step-Up” program, which promotes long-term environmental responsibility and sustainable practices among businesses operating in the state.

By integrating solar energy into its manufacturing operations, Poland Spring continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability while supporting the transition toward cleaner energy solutions. The project also demonstrates how partnerships between renewable energy developers and major manufacturing facilities can deliver practical solutions that benefit both industry and the environment.