SolarBank Corporation Announces 6.9 MW Community Solar Project in Nova Scotia

SolarBank Corporation has announced its latest initiative to develop a 6.9 megawatt community solar project in Brooklyn, Nova Scotia. This project represents a significant milestone as part of Canada's first Community Solar Program and is expected to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 900 homes. The initiative directly supports Nova Scotia's ambitious targets of achieving 80% renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2035, marking a crucial step in the province's energy transition strategy.

The Brooklyn solar project is owned by AI Renewable Fund, which has secured two of the three contracts awarded under the Community Solar Program to date. SolarBank will serve as both developer and builder for the project, bringing its extensive experience in community solar development from the United States to the Canadian market. This cross-border expertise transfer highlights the growing global nature of renewable energy development and the potential for successful models to be adapted across different markets and regulatory environments.

The construction timeline for the project is scheduled to commence in Spring 2026, with completion expected by Summer 2026. The total development cost is estimated at $13.9 million, representing a substantial investment in Nova Scotia's renewable energy infrastructure. This financial commitment underscores the economic viability of community solar projects and their potential to attract significant private investment while delivering public benefits through clean energy generation and reduced carbon emissions.

This initiative demonstrates the critical role that community solar programs play in achieving broader environmental sustainability goals. By providing clean, renewable energy to hundreds of homes, the project represents a tangible advancement in climate change mitigation efforts and the transition toward a greener economy. The project also showcases the potential for effective public-private sector collaboration in meeting renewable energy targets and fostering sustainable development. As communities across Canada seek to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace cleaner energy sources, projects like the Brooklyn solar development serve as important models for how distributed generation can contribute to national climate objectives while providing local economic and environmental benefits.