Overview
Leicester One MA Solar LLC is a 6 MW solar PV facility in Leicester, Massachusetts, owned by CleanCapital. The plant contributes to the state's renewable energy goals under the Renewable Portfolio Standard.
Leicester One MA Solar LLC is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in Leicester, Massachusetts, United States. With a capacity of 6 MW, it is a small- to medium-scale solar installation that supports local clean energy generation. The plant is owned by CleanCapital, a prominent investor in distributed solar projects, and has been operational since its commissioning. The facility operates under Massachusetts' Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which requires utilities to source a growing percentage of electricity from renewable sources. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor panels, with no emissions during operation. The 6 MW capacity is typical for community-scale solar projects in the region, often feeding power into the local grid via net metering or power purchase agreements. Environmental benefits include displacing fossil fuel-generated electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing to Massachusetts' goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Solar farms like this one also help diversify the energy mix and enhance grid resilience. The site's location in central Massachusetts avoids sensitive ecological areas while utilizing open land for clean energy production.
Environmental context
Leicester, Massachusetts, lies in a region with mixed forest and agricultural land. Solar PV installations here require land use that may alter local habitats, but they provide significant carbon emission reductions compared to fossil fuels. The facility's location avoids wetlands and protected areas, minimizing ecological disruption while supporting state renewable energy targets.
Frequently asked questions
Leicester One MA Solar LLC is located in Leicester, Massachusetts, United States, at coordinates 42.222800, -71.878600.
The facility has a capacity of 6 megawatts (MW), making it a small- to medium-scale solar photovoltaic installation.
The plant is owned by CleanCapital, a company that invests in distributed solar energy projects across the United States.
The facility contributes to Massachusetts' Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which mandates increasing renewable energy use. Solar PV generation displaces fossil fuel electricity, reducing carbon emissions.
Solar projects in Massachusetts operate under the state's RPS, net metering policies, and the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The RPS requires utilities to source a percentage of electricity from renewables, incentivizing projects like Leicester One.