Primo Brands Energizes 13 MW Solar Project in Hollis, Maine
Primo Brands, in collaboration with Onyx Renewables and PowerFlex, has announced the energization of a 13-megawatt DC onsite solar project at its Poland Spring bottling facility in Hollis, Maine. The ground-mounted solar array is expected to generate approximately 18 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the facility’s carbon footprint while providing long-term energy cost predictability.
Behind-the-Meter Design Maximizes Efficiency
The Hollis solar project is a fully behind-the-meter system located adjacent to Primo Brands’ facility. The system was developed, engineered, and constructed by PowerFlex and is financed, owned, and operated by Onyx Renewables under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA). The design ensures that the solar energy produced is consumed directly onsite, allowing Primo Brands to manage energy usage efficiently and reduce dependence on the grid.
Charles Fogg, Chief Sustainability Officer at Primo Brands, emphasized the company’s commitment to natural resource stewardship. “Water is our business, and being responsible with energy resources is equally important,” said Fogg. “Powering our Hollis facility with renewable energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrates how companies can operate sustainably while benefiting their communities.”
A Flagship Distributed Generation Project
The Hollis solar array represents a significant step in distributed generation for large energy users. Designed as a non-export system, it maximizes onsite solar production without sending excess energy back to the grid.
This approach allows companies like Primo Brands to hedge against rising energy costs while supporting local employment during the development and construction phases. The project also reflects growing demand for larger onsite solar systems as commercial energy needs expand and organizations seek reliable, cost-effective renewable solutions.
Patty Rollin, Chief Commercial Officer at Onyx Renewables, highlighted the project’s strategic value. “Projects like Hollis demonstrate a shift toward energy independence for businesses. On-site solar gives Primo Brands predictable energy costs and a reliable supply of clean electricity. Partnering with PowerFlex, we delivered a system that strengthens energy resilience while advancing sustainability goals.”
Operational Advantages for Primo Brands
Under the PPA arrangement, Onyx owns and operates the solar system, and Primo Brands purchases the clean energy at a predictable rate over the long term. This provides financial certainty compared to conventional grid electricity.
Key benefits include operational efficiency, as the behind-the-meter configuration supports the facility’s energy demands while mitigating exposure to future grid price fluctuations. Additionally, the project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by over 7,500 metric tons annually, equivalent to producing approximately 18 million kWh of clean electricity each year.
Collaboration Between Onyx and PowerFlex
The success of the Hollis project is rooted in the specialized expertise of both Onyx and PowerFlex. PowerFlex managed the multi-year development process, including interconnection, permitting, engineering, and construction, while negotiating the PPA. Onyx provided project financing and will continue to oversee long-term operations, asset management, and maintenance.
Nate McMurry, Chief Commercial Officer at PowerFlex, noted the project’s significance. “Hollis is a large-scale onsite solar project by commercial standards at 13 megawatts-DC. By combining PowerFlex’s development expertise with Onyx’s long-term financing and operational support, we delivered a project that reduces emissions, enhances energy resilience, and provides cost predictability for Primo Brands.”
Advancing Maine’s Clean Energy Goals
Beyond its environmental and financial benefits, the Hollis solar project contributes to Maine’s renewable energy objectives. The state aims to achieve 80% clean electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2040. Initiatives like this demonstrate how private companies can play a crucial role in accelerating the energy transition while maintaining operational efficiency.
Richard Morin, Town Manager of Hollis, commented on the community impact. “It’s a win-win. Primo Brands delivers clean water to the community, and now its solar panels deliver clean energy. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management.”
Supporting Sustainability and Resilience
The Hollis solar project exemplifies how commercial-scale distributed generation can create long-term value for both businesses and communities. On-site solar reduces exposure to energy price volatility, lowers carbon emissions, and supports energy independence. By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, Primo Brands reinforces its commitment to sustainability while aligning with broader environmental and community goals.
Future Outlook
As commercial energy needs continue to grow, projects like Hollis illustrate the increasing feasibility and demand for large onsite renewable systems. Companies are seeking ways to manage energy costs, meet sustainability targets, and contribute to local economies. The collaboration between Primo Brands, Onyx Renewables, and PowerFlex serves as a model for future large-scale distributed generation projects.
By delivering a predictable, sustainable, and community-focused energy solution, the Hollis solar project positions Primo Brands as a leader in corporate renewable energy adoption. The project not only benefits the facility and local economy but also strengthens Maine’s path toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
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