Hundreds of local Central Maine Power customers may save money on their electric bills if a new solar project comes to Edgecomb. On Nov. 5, geologist Cole Peters sought information from the Edgecomb Planning Board about a possible application for constructing a bank of 5-megawatt solar panels as a community solar farm. Peters spoke on behalf of Syncarpha. The company is considering a community solar project which would provide discounted electricity for about 750 customers. Syncarpha would provide solar power to CMP’s energy grid and provide customers with a 10% discount on their electric bills.

In a printed handout, Syncarpha describes the project as a way for multiple participants to share solar power benefits. The array is hosted off-site and open to residents and businesses in the region. Syncarpha would sell CMP electricity generated by the solar panels. Participants would pay Syncarpha a discounted fee for their electric bills. “Think of it as a $10 CMP gift card. On a $100 electric bill, Syncarpha would charge members only $90,” he said.

Peters examined town ordinances and discovered the proposed solar bank location along U.S. Route 1, near the Newcastle line, requires 250 feet of road frontage. Syncarpha plans to buy two plots of land in reaching the requirement. The company is negotiating to buy a 1.25-acre parcel from Mike Benner who owns Twisted Irons. Syncarpha is also negotiating to purchase land adjacent to the Park and Ride.

Peters explained the community solar project would be on a  “first come, first serve” basis, but Edgecomb residents would have the first opportunity to sign up. Peters expects Syncarpha would submit a planning board application in early 2021.

Before an application is submitted, Peters had two requests: He sought information about the square footage fees for solar projects, and requested the scale dimensions on plans of 1 inch to 50 feet be accepted, instead of the required 1 inch to 150 feet. 

The board agreed to accept the 1 inch to 50 foot dimensions and will research what to charge as the square footage fees. Prior to submitting a local application, Peters would be working on state applications.The Edgecomb Planning Board meets next on Thursday, Nov. 19 in the town hall’s upstairs.