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10/18/2021
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Potter welcomes Beacon community solar project to Cranston
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 STATE HOUSE – Rep. Brandon C. Potter, a strong proponent of community renewable energy opportunities, helped cut the ribbon at the new Beacon Solar Project, a 3.5 megawatt community solar array in Cranston.
The project, built on an otherwise undevelopable former landfill that is an Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site, will power more than 500 homes. As a community solar project, it provides opportunities to residential electricity customers who would like to invest in solar energy production, but do not own suitable property. Subscribers to the project share the credit on their own electricity bills for the power the project generates.
“I am very excited to witness the transformation of this blighted property into a project that is helping Rhode Island generate our own clean energy and reduce our reliance on polluting carbon fuels. In addition to helping Rhode Island with our commitment to carbon neutrality, community solar projects like Beacon provide meaningful ways any electric customer can enjoy the benefits of solar energy production. This is an excellent development that provides financial opportunity to ordinary Rhode Islanders and helps us achieve our renewable energy goals without reducing any of our undisturbed forests or open space. I’m pleased to welcome Beacon to Cranston,” said Representative Potter (D-Dist. 16, Cranston).
He was joined at the ribbon-cutting ceremony by many local leaders, including House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.
Representative Potter sponsored legislation (2021-H 5327A) this session to expand opportunities for community renewable energy production in Rhode Island, and ensure that at least 35% of the new capacity is allocated to low- and moderate-income participants. The bill would also allow regulators to limit up to half of new installations to previously disturbed sites like landfills, rooftops, brownfields and industrial or municipal buildings, rather than forested or open areas. Representative Potter intends to reintroduce the measure, which passed the House this year, in the next session.
IN PHOTO: Rep. Brandon C. Potter, third from right, cuts the ribbon at the Beacon Solar Project in Cranston today.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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