Solar Builder Mag: Vermont public-private partnership turns unused corn silage land into 2.2-MW solar array

Vermont Public Power Supply Authority and Encore Renewable Energy announced that the Lawrence Brook Solar project is now supplying renewable energy to the electric grid in Morrisville. The new 2.2-MW solar array is sited on property owned by Morrisville resident Jeanette Davis. Previously used for corn silage, the land now hosts a renewable energy project generating enough electricity to power 450 Vermont homes. The 25-year lease agreement will provide income for Ms. Davis and allow her to maintain ownership of her family’s land.

The clean electricity generated from Lawrence Brook Solar is purchased by VPPSA on behalf of Morrisville Water & Light. Like all Vermont utilities, Morrisville Water & Light is increasingly providing its customers with renewable electricity according to requirements set by the Renewable Energy Standard. A portion of the renewable portfolio must come from small generators located within Vermont. Lawrence Brook Solar is expected to produce 3,500 megawatt hours of electricity in its first year, exceeding the in-state renewable generation requirements by 130%