PowerBank Corporation has announced that its community solar projects in Sydney, Brooklyn, and Petpeswick, Nova Scotia, have been awarded a total of $1.74 million in funding. The financial support comes through the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change, funded by the Department of Energy, and administered by the Net Zero Atlantic program.
Net Zero Atlantic is a prominent research organization focused on facilitating the region’s energy transition. With a team of experts including scientists, engineers, and project managers, the organization is committed to guiding Atlantic Canada toward a carbon-neutral future by 2050 through reliable research and support services.
The funding will be distributed among the three projects as follows: $340,000 for the Sydney Solar Project, $440,000 for the Petpeswick Solar Project, and $960,000 for the Brooklyn Solar Project. These developments are co-owned by AI Renewable Flow-through Fund (48%) and either a local non-profit organization or the Potlotek First Nation (52%). PowerBank is leading the development and construction of all three projects and will collaborate with Trimac Engineering, a well-established Nova Scotia-based firm, to bring them to completion.
PowerBank has a proven track record in community solar development, having delivered more than 50 MW of projects across the United States. The company now brings that experience to Canada, contributing to the growth of Nova Scotia’s renewable energy sector.
“We are proud to support Nova Scotia’s renewable energy ambitions,” said Dr. Richard Lu, President and CEO of PowerBank. “This funding from Net Zero Atlantic is a major step forward in bringing clean, cost-effective energy solutions to communities across the province. With over ten years of experience in solar project development and operations—including community, commercial, and government-led initiatives—PowerBank is well-positioned to help deliver these transformative projects.”
Nova Scotia’s Community Solar Program (CSP)—the first of its kind in Canada—is a cornerstone of the province’s plan to achieve 80% renewable electricity by 2030 and a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. The program is targeting the addition of 100 MW of solar generation to reduce fossil fuel dependency, address climate change, and drive local economic development.
Community solar projects feed clean electricity directly into the grid, allowing residents, renters, and businesses to subscribe and receive credits on their power bills. Participants can save approximately $0.02 per kilowatt-hour without needing to install panels on their own property, making renewable energy more accessible and inclusive across Nova Scotia.
