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Presenter outlines community solar program promising 15% credit
Summary
A company presenter told the Shapley board about a CMP-territory community solar program that promises a guaranteed 15% discount on applied solar credits, month-to-month subscriptions, three Maine projects (including Dover-Foxcroft) and a civic contribution of $100 per enrolled account.
A company representative presented a community solar proposal to the Shapley Select Board, saying it would allow renters and homeowners who cannot install rooftop panels to subscribe to off-site solar projects and receive a guaranteed discount on their electric bills. "Community solar is a state regulated program, that is pretty much designed to advance renewable energy, within, the state of Maine," the presenter said, explaining the program model and the company's experience in six states.
The presenter said the firm currently has three projects in Maine, including one in Dover-Foxcroft, and estimated roughly 1,400 subscription spots across those sites. He described billing as trailing the utility’s reporting — credits are applied to the consumer’s CMP account and the company bills subscribers for 85% of the credited amount — and said the program is month-to-month with projects expected to run 25–30 years. The presenter also noted a civic contribution: "What we call it's a $100, incentive for, every enrolled account," promising about $10,000 to the municipality if 100 households enroll. Board members and residents asked about eligibility, whether the 15% was applied to delivery charges and how current rooftop solar affects participation; the presenter said credits are allocated using the prior 12 months of usage and include delivery charges, and that customers with rooftop systems would not be eligible to subscribe concurrently.
The board said it will place the proposal on a future agenda so the public can ask questions and compare providers before making a decision. The presenter emphasized the company's in-house customer support and reluctance to use third-party door-to-door sales, saying their outreach would be educational and municipally overseen.
