New solar gardens set to be built across Nova Scotia

(Ken James/Bloomberg)

New solar gardens are set to be built in communities across Nova Scotia.

The province’s Community Solar Program allows those who are unable to install their own solar panels the option to buy clean electricity at a reduced cost, according to a news release from the Government of Nova Scotia. Subscribers can be residential or commercial.

“One megawatt of electricity can power more than 100 homes for a year; each community solar garden can produce from 0.5 to 10 megawatts of power,” reads the release.

Annapolis County’s solar garden will be built on Brooklyn Road, in Brooklyn, N.S.

“Solar power is one of the many made-in-Nova Scotia solutions that’s helping us power our green economy and move toward clean energy,” said MLA David Bowlby, on behalf of Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau, in the release.

“This new community solar garden in Brooklyn takes advantage of our natural resources to attract investment, create jobs, get more clean electricity on our grid and make Nova Scotians proud about being part of the solution.”

The province is spending $960,000 on the project, which it says will produce 4.8 megawatts.

AI Renewables and Potlotek First Nation are partnering on the Brooklyn Solar project.

“Potlotek’s involvement in clean energy is a powerful step towards honouring the land and ensuring a thriving future for generations to come, embodying the spirit of environmental stewardship and Indigenous continuity,” said Tahirih Paul, economic development officer, Potlotek First Nation.

In addition, AI Renewables is working to build solar gardens in West Petpeswick, the Halifax Regional Municipality and Sydney.

“With these community solar projects, we are transforming the vision of accessible clean energy into tangible reality – empowering communities through solar power while fostering lasting partnerships grounded in sustainability and shared purpose,” said Aaron Rotenberg, CEO of AI Renewables, in the release.

AI Renewables and the Multicultural Association of Cape Breton are partnering on Sydney Solar, to be built on Grand Lake Road.

It will be the second solar garden in the area. The first was launched in the fall at Pine Tree Park Estates. According to the province, it is supplying 555 kilowatts of solar energy to 29 residential and commercial subscribers in facilities owned by New Dawn Entreprises.

The province says it is spending $340,000 on Sydney Solar project, which will produce 1.7 megawatts.

“This new solar garden in Sydney means investment in the community, more green jobs, a greener grid and a chance for Nova Scotians to take some ownership of the move to clean energy,” said MLA John White, on behalf of Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page