BETHEL — Solar power energy is making it’s way to Maine. As of July 2020, ECA Solar LLC., a company organized and existing in Massachusetts signed a guaranty with the Town of Bethel.

The trend is taking away from carbon-based form and distributing it around Maine, meaning more careers for Bethel, explains Harry Benson, director of business development for Standard Solar. In terms of taxes, payers who invest in solar energy with Standard Solar get a property tax break, explained Benson.

The Bethel project joins Standard Solar’s  more than 200 portfolio of community solar projects funded and operating with partners around the United States. The company is actively seeking additional projects to fund and add to its asset portfolio, according to its press release.

“We got nothing out of it. We got a building permit-fee. Power doesn’t stay here in Bethel,” said Loretta Powers, Bethel town manager.

Standard Solar says “a total of 23 leading Maine commercial and institutional organizations will collectively take 100% of the Net Energy Billing Credits created by the

Standard Solar’s new Bethel solar farm. Submitted

new Bethel community solar project. These organizations include Auburn School Department, AVX Tantalum, Bowdoin College, City of Portland, Colby College, Falmouth Public Schools, L. L. Bean, Maine Community College System, Maine General Medical Center, Maine Maritime Academy, MSAD #11 Gardiner, MSAD #15 GNG, Nestle Waters North America, Northern Light Health, Pleasant River Lumber, Portland Water District, Pratt & Whitney, Pride Manufacturing, RSU #14 Windham Raymond, Scarborough School Department, University of Maine System, Waterville Public Schools and York County.”

“ECA Solar has enjoyed working with local stakeholders to deliver this turn-key community solar project,” Todd Fryatt, president, ECA Solar. “Throughout the past two years, the Town of Bethel and the State of Maine played a key role in supporting the development and construction of this clean energy system. Among other benefits, our collective efforts were able to provide well-paying jobs using local contractors and considerable energy savings and price certainty to some of Maine’s largest employers. ECA Solar is proud to be a member of the Bethel community and is optimistic about the positive impact our project will have on the area.”

Last week, Standard Solar hosted local officials and project partners for an official ribbon-cutting event at the Bethel site.