Foxglove Solar Awarded Permit

Hexagon Energy was awarded a Conditional Use Permit for a 0.99 megawatt community solar project in Winthrop, Maine. The entire project site will be just under 7 acres on an undeveloped site that recently underwent timbering.

The Foxglove Solar proposal follows the conclusion of the Town of Winthrop’s 13 month solar moratorium, which the Town used to establish a robust solar ordinance that paves the way to implement responsible solar.

The solar project would provide roughly 15 local jobs during construction and 2 ongoing jobs once operational. This project will generate enough carbon-free electricity to power up to 300 homes. Residents can subscribe to the community solar project to receive discounts on their power bills.

Over a series of hearings from May to June 2023, the Town of Winthrop Planning Board listened to the pros and cons of the project and requested more detailed information around visual impacts and project retirement. After considering Hexagon’s presentations, its responses to further inquiry, and input from community members, the board unanimously approved the project by granting a Conditional Use Permit to continue development. The project supports the expansion of solar power in the Town of Winthrop and allows community members the opportunity to subscribe to the energy produced by the project.

The Foxglove Solar project is projected to be operational by December 2024.

Meghan Byrnes