For those who want to use solar power without attaching panels to their homes, an opportunity may arrive this year in Edgecomb. Syncarpha Solar of New York City is seeking planning board approval Feb. 18 for a solar array on U.S. Route 1. Syncarpha Solar has dozens of community solar arrays nationwide. Project Manager Mike Atkinson reports the company has three community solar arrays planned for Maine in 2021 along with the Edgecomb proposal. 

Syncarpha has created Edgecomb Solar, LLC to construct an array producing less than five megawatts of electricity on a parcel of just under 20 acres. If the proposal receives approval, Syncarpha would buy land near the Newcastle line. Edgecomb Solar would produce electricity and sell it at a discount. “We would offer the discounted rate to Edgecomb residents first, but the electricity could be sold to anyone,” Atkinson said. He estimates customers would receive a 15% discount on their current Central Maine Power bills. The Edgecomb project would provide electricity to “hundreds” of customers, according to Atkinson.

In October, Syncarpha representatives who met with the planning board to explain the company’s proposal explained it as “like paying $85 for a $100 gift card.” 

The solar panels have a 20-40 year life expectancy, and Atkinson expects his firm to stay with the project for the entire term. “Our approach is different than most solar power companies,” he said. “Most construct a solar array and sell it. We plan on operating our projects for the long term.” Atkinson said the Edgecomb location was selected due to its proximity to a CMP substation. 

The Edgecomb Solar, LLC site plan review application is the meeting’s only agenda item. The board meets at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 via Zoom conference.