SolarBank Corporation, a North American energy infrastructure developer and asset owner, has announced plans to develop a 2.4 MW DC ground-mounted community solar power project in Nova Scotia, known as the Sydney Project. This initiative marks another step in SolarBank’s strategic expansion into Canada’s growing community solar market, where it brings a strong track record of over 50 MW of completed community solar projects in the U.S. and more than 100 MW of total built capacity.
The Sydney Project, owned by the AI Renewable Flow-through Fund and led by SolarBank as the developer and EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contractor, is expected to produce around 2,730 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity annually. That’s enough energy to power roughly 221 homes each year and offset approximately 1,900 tons of carbon dioxide emissions comparable to removing 415 cars from the road. The project carries an estimated value of $4.57 million.
Construction of the project is expected to begin in Spring 2026, with permits already secured and interconnection work underway. SolarBank has partnered with local engineering firm Trimac Engineering to deliver the project. In addition to delivering near-term EPC revenue for the company, SolarBank is positioned to benefit from recurring income through long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) contracts.
The Sydney Project also stands to generate more than $1.36 million in lifetime electricity savings for local residents. By offering subscription-based access to clean energy without the need for onsite solar panel installation the project enables renters, homeowners, and businesses to participate in the clean energy transition. Subscribers will receive bill credits and benefit from electricity savings of approximately $0.02 per kilowatt-hour.
Dr. Richard Lu, President and CEO of SolarBank, said in a statement, “This project underscores SolarBank’s significant expertise and strategic vision in helping to drive Canada’s renewable energy transformation. With a proven track record of over a decade in community solar, commercial, and industrial projects, we’re proud to provide solutions on Nova Scotia’s ambitious renewable energy transition to deliver meaningful value for stakeholders and communities alike.”
This is SolarBank’s second community solar development in Nova Scotia, a province that has emerged as a leader in clean energy initiatives. The project is one of only four community solar contracts awarded under the province’s clean energy program, which supports Nova Scotia’s goal of achieving 80% renewable electricity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2035. It also aligns with several federal and provincial clean energy support programs, such as the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs), the Indigenous-Led Clean Energy Stream, and the Low Carbon Communities program.
With a development pipeline exceeding 1 GW, SolarBank continues to scale its operations and solidify its presence in Canada’s high-growth community solar sector. The Sydney Project highlights the company’s ability to capture multi-stream contracted revenues while helping communities access affordable, clean energy.
