Agilitas Energy announced today that its coupled solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage system (ESS) project in Rochester, MA has reached commercial operation. The project’s development rights were originally acquired by the company in 2020. With construction and interconnection now completed, the deployment will bring renewable power to more than 1,800 homes annually and permanently protect 221 acres of forest and wetlands in Rochester, MA.

A part of the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program, the project will serve as a Community Solar facility to provide local businesses with cost savings. Well-known MA grocery chain Roche Brothers will serve as the anchor subscriber of the 9.6 megawatt (MW) project.

Community Solar programs benefit multiple customers, such as individuals, businesses or nonprofits, allowing them to sign a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to buy power at discount when compared to utilities’ standard rate. As they will with this Agilitas Energy project, customers typically receive an electric bill credit for electricity generated by their share in the Community Solar program—similar to someone who might have rooftop panels installed on their home.

The energy storage component of the project—a 13.4 megawatt hour (MWh) battery—not only increases the total output of the solar array, but will provide peak-shaving capabilities to stabilize the grid’s power supply.

“Local businesses are the backbone of this country and by building a Community Solar project for Rochester-area businesses to benefit from, Agilitas Energy is making good on our belief that everyone can come along for our country’s ongoing energy transition,” said Barrett Bilotta, President, CEO and co-founder of Agilitas Energy. “We’re looking forward to building on these recent local successes and expanding our national footprint to accelerate that transition in communities nationwide.”

In addition to this project, Agilitas Energy is actively constructing or developing several other coupled solar PV and energy storage projects under the SMART program in various towns across the Commonwealth and is currently seeking projects at all stages of development across the country.

Project details: 

• Where: Old Middleboro Rd., Rochester, MA

• Type: DC-coupled PV + ESS
• Solar array:6 MW
• Energy storage system:4 MWh

• Off-taker: Community solar with credit anchor