FAQs

No. While MODL’s share of subscriptions is approximately 700, the full project supports around 1,200 subscriptions. More importantly, the project is expected to generate $250,000 annually in profit, which can be reinvested into municipal green initiatives that benefit the broader community, not just subscribers.

The original site on Mullock Road was initially selected due to municipal ownership and easy access to power lines. However, an environmental assessment in December 2023 revealed rare plant species, making the site undevelopable.

A new location at 283 Oakhill Rd (the former Bowater Sawmill site) was chosen because:

• It has direct access to power lines, making it an ideal solar site.
• It repurposes a post-industrial site instead of using greenfield land.
• No clear-cutting is required, helping preserve the local ecosystem.

The land was selected for its potential to be repurposed into a solar site, making it a strong candidate for the Provincial Community Solar Program. However, the property owner was not interested in a long-term lease and preferred an option-to-purchase agreement, which also strengthens the project’s provincial application.

To move forward, the Municipality will subdivide the land and purchase only the required portions, while the owner retains the existing buildings.

While solar energy production can vary due to weather, the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is locked in for 25 years, ensuring a stable revenue stream. Additionally, conservative energy generation estimates have been used, including contingency planning to account for variables.

No. The Municipality guarantees borrowing for the Intermunicipal Services Corporation (IMSA), but all costs will be fully repaid through project revenue.

Initial expenses, such as land acquisition and interest during construction, will come from general operating reserves and will be reimbursed once financing is secured. This means the project will have no impact on municipal debt levels.

Profits can support municipal green initiatives, such as:

• Helping residents access clean energy financing to lower their energy bills.
• Expanding access to clean drinking water.
• Funding other sustainability projects in the community.

This allows MODL to reinvest in sustainability while maintaining financial stability.

A community solar garden offers several advantages over rooftop solar. It provides greater accessibility, making it ideal for renters and homeowners whose roofs aren’t suitable for solar panels. Unlike rooftop solar, which requires a large upfront investment, subscribing to the community solar garden is free. Subscribers also don’t have to worry about maintenance or repairs, as the project owner handles all upkeep. Additionally, the subscription model offers flexibility, allowing participants to opt out at any time.

While community solar is a great option for many, this doesn’t mean rooftop solar is a bad choice. For homeowners who can afford the upfront costs, rooftop solar can provide greater long-term savings by offsetting more of their electricity costs over time. However, for those looking for an affordable, low-commitment way to benefit from renewable energy, community solar is a practical and inclusive alternative.

The Province encourages municipalities to allocate subscriptions to low-income and equity-deserving groups to ensure that clean energy is accessible to more residents. This priority also strengthens the project's application to the Provincial Community Solar Program.

The Province designed the Community Solar Program as a subscription-based model, meaning residents cannot own individual panels or purchase shares.

Instead, the municipal partners own the solar garden, while residents can subscribe for a share of the energy production, based on their home’s electricity usage. The subscription model ensures that the solar farm remains municipally owned and managed for long-term community benefit.

The Town of Shelburne and the Town of Lockeport officially opted out of the project in 2024. As a result, only three municipalities remain partners on the project:

• Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL)
• Municipality of the District of Shelburne (MODS)
• Municipality of the District of Argyle (MODA)