Nexamp, a leading developer in community solar, has joined forces with Walmart once again to expand access to renewable energy. The two companies have announced plans to develop 31 new community solar projects across five U.S. states. This partnership will add more than 120 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable energy to the grid, benefitting communities in Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, and Minnesota. The projects are expected to serve around 8,000 residential customers and help local businesses save millions of dollars on their electricity bills. In addition, the construction phase of these projects will create more than 1,500 jobs, further bolstering local economies.

Building on Previous Success

This new collaboration follows a successful partnership between Nexamp and Walmart in 2021, which resulted in the creation of a significant portfolio of community solar projects in New York. That initial deal saw the development of 23 solar farms, with a combined capacity of 129 MW. This made Walmart the anchor tenant for a major clean energy project in the state. The new agreement builds on that foundation, expanding the geographic footprint and overall impact of the partnership. By combining Nexamp’s expertise in solar development and Walmart’s commitment to sustainability, the two companies are working to drive meaningful change in the energy sector.

Zaid Ashai, CEO of Nexamp, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that it would expand access to affordable, clean energy for thousands of households. “Working with Walmart to expand access to affordable, clean energy is an exciting opportunity for Nexamp and for the communities we serve,” Ashai said. “This collaboration demonstrates the power of partnerships in advancing the clean energy transition.”

A Win for Local Communities

Community solar allows residents and businesses to subscribe to solar power without needing to install panels on their properties. This model is especially beneficial for those who cannot afford or have the space to install their own solar systems, providing them with access to renewable energy and lower electricity bills. Nexamp’s community solar farms are designed to bring clean energy to these underserved populations, ultimately reducing utility costs for local consumers.

Through this partnership, Nexamp and Walmart are expected to help local communities save more than $2 million annually on energy bills. The projects will also contribute to the broader goal of reducing carbon emissions. As these community solar systems come online, they will replace traditional fossil fuel-based electricity with renewable solar power, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting climate action.

Job Creation and Economic Benefits

In addition to providing energy savings, the new community solar projects will create thousands of construction jobs across the five states involved in the development. These jobs will be in various sectors, including project planning, installation, and maintenance of the solar farms. The job creation is expected to provide a significant boost to local economies, especially in areas where employment opportunities may be limited.

Furthermore, by providing affordable clean energy, these projects contribute to long-term economic benefits for businesses and residents alike. Local businesses will see savings on their energy bills, freeing up resources to invest in growth and innovation. For residential customers, the availability of community solar subscriptions means more affordable access to energy, improving their overall quality of life.

Expanding Clean Energy Access

The new partnership is part of a broader effort to expand access to renewable energy across the United States. Walmart’s continued commitment to sustainability aligns with its corporate goals to reduce carbon emissions and increase the use of renewable energy in its operations. With this new community solar portfolio, Walmart is further solidifying its role as a leader in corporate sustainability.

Nexamp’s community solar model offers a scalable and flexible solution to the growing demand for clean energy. The company’s model is particularly appealing in states like New York, where the demand for renewable energy is high, but many residents still lack the resources or space to install rooftop solar systems. By working with large corporations like Walmart, Nexamp is able to accelerate the growth of community solar and bring renewable energy to a broader range of consumers.

More Solar for the Future

This partnership between Nexamp and Walmart is a step forward in the clean energy transition, with the potential to benefit thousands of households and businesses. As renewable energy adoption continues to rise across the U.S., partnerships like this will play a critical role in meeting energy needs while reducing environmental impacts.

In addition to community solar, Nexamp is expanding its efforts to source solar panels from domestic manufacturers. Recently, the company entered into a supply agreement with Silfab Solar, a North American manufacturer, for the latter’s new 580 XM+ DCB panels. This collaboration will further support the growing demand for solar energy while ensuring that more components of the solar supply chain are produced in the U.S.

With the 31 new solar projects planned, Nexamp and Walmart are taking significant steps toward creating a more sustainable and equitable energy future. By expanding access to clean energy, driving job creation, and supporting local economies, the two companies are demonstrating the powerful impact of public-private partnerships in addressing climate change and energy inequity.

The continued collaboration between Nexamp and Walmart showcases the potential of community solar as a solution to both environmental and economic challenges. As the solar energy sector continues to grow, this partnership will undoubtedly serve as a model for future efforts to democratize access to clean, renewable power.