Nominees Announced for the 2025 Solar Project of the Year Awards
In a showcase of innovation and environmental stewardship, the nominees for the 2025 Solar Builder Project of the Year have been revealed. From transforming contaminated sites into solar powerhouses to empowering underserved communities, these projects highlight the potential of solar energy across the United States.
Voting is now open to the public, allowing participants to cast one vote per day until midnight on October 10. Winners will be featured in the December issue of Solar Builder magazine. Thanks to Aurora Solar for sponsoring this year’s awards.
Acton Solar
Location: Acton, Massachusetts | 7.1 MW PV + 4 MW storage
The Acton Solar project transforms a former EPA Superfund site into a clean energy asset while creating jobs and supporting local grid resilience. The site, previously contaminated by chemicals and asbestos, now hosts solar panels and battery storage, enhancing Massachusetts’ SMART and Clean Peak Standard goals.
Developer: Syncarpha | EPC/Installer: Distributed Energy Infrastructure
Antioch for Youth & Family Food Bank
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas | 79.15 kW
This project by the Arkansas Climate League helps reduce energy costs for community centers, allowing funds to be redirected to essential programs. The solar installation at the Antioch Food Bank required innovative solutions due to structural challenges, with plans for future battery storage.
Developer/EPC/Installer: Stitt Solar
Brewer Lake Road Solar
Location: Orrington, Maine | 5.74 MW
Brewer Lake Road Solar demonstrates how strategic engineering can convert challenging landscapes into energy assets. BlueWave’s collaboration with local authorities and environmental considerations ensured minimal disruption to wildlife while providing substantial savings to the town.
Developer/EPC/Installer: BlueWave
Chinle Unified School District
Location: Chinle, Arizona | 2.918 MW
In a landmark project, Chinle Unified School District is setting a precedent in tribal energy savings, reducing its energy costs through extensive sustainable improvements. Local employment was a key focus, with Navajo Nation workers contributing to the installation.
Developer/EPC/Installer: Veregy LLC
Department of Energy Rooftop Solar
Location: Washington, D.C. | 2.2 MW
The DOE’s rooftop solar array showcases commitment to sustainability, with U.S.-made materials and a fully recyclable system. The installation sets an example for government and private partnerships in promoting clean energy.
Developer/EPC/Installer: Prospect Solar
East Bay Municipal Utility District – Orinda
Location: Orinda, California | 4.6 MW
With a focus on financial and environmental benefits, the Orinda project supports EBMUD’s mission while integrating seamlessly into its surroundings. The innovative design and strategic placement make a significant impact on energy costs.
Developer/EPC/Installer: TotalEnergies
Nava Storage
Location: Royalton, Vermont | 4.9 MW
Nava Storage not only supports Green Mountain Power’s energy needs but also contributes to community development through donations to Vermont Works for Women, emphasizing technical career access for marginalized groups.
Developer: Encore Renewable Energy
Orange County Convention Center
Location: Orlando, Florida | 2.3 MW
The OCCC solar project overcame significant logistical challenges to deliver sustainable energy solutions, including a massive rooftop solar array that powers essential infrastructure while engaging the community through solar panel redistribution.
Developer/EPC/Installer: Advanced Green Technologies
Willcox Greenhouse
Location: Willcox, Arizona | 4 MW
This ambitious project revitalizes a rural community by powering greenhouse operations with solar energy, bringing hundreds of jobs back to the area and supporting local food production.
Developer: EnPower Star
Original Story at solarbuildermag.com