PRIMO BRANDS, ONYX RENEWABLES, AND POWERFLEX ENERGIZE 13-MEGAWATT SOLAR PROJECT AT POLAND SPRING FACILITY IN HOLLIS, MAINE
Primo Brands, together with Onyx Renewables and PowerFlex, today announced the energization of a new 13-megawatt DC onsite solar project at Primo Brands’ Poland Spring bottling facility in Hollis, Maine. The ground-mounted solar array is expected to generate more than 18 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually, significantly reducing the facility’s carbon footprint while providing long-term energy cost predictability for Primo Brands.
Strategically located adjacent to the Hollis bottling facility, the fully behind-the-meter system was developed, engineered, and constructed by PowerFlex, with Onyx Renewables financing, owning, and operating the system under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA). Designed so that the majority of solar energy produced is consumed directly on site, the project demonstrates how large energy users can integrate distributed generation to optimize operational efficiency, cost savings, and environmental stewardship.
“At Primo Brands, water is our business, and being responsible stewards of natural resources is core to our mission,” said Charles Fogg, Chief Sustainability Officer at Primo Brands. “That means thinking carefully about how we use energy and operate sustainably for the long term. By powering our Hollis facility with renewable energy, we reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute positively to Maine’s energy future.”
A Flagship Distributed Generation Project in Maine
The Hollis solar system is a non-export, behind-the-meter design, ensuring that the clean electricity generated is maximized for onsite consumption rather than exported to the grid. This configuration provides Primo Brands with reliable, cost-effective power while supporting operational needs, mitigating exposure to rising energy prices, and helping the company manage long-term energy costs sustainably.
Large-scale commercial solar projects like the Hollis system exemplify the growing trend among corporations to embrace distributed energy solutions. Companies increasingly recognize the value of onsite renewable energy in achieving sustainability targets, enhancing energy resilience, and controlling costs in a landscape of fluctuating energy markets. The Hollis project is part of a broader movement toward energy decentralization, highlighting how businesses can actively participate in the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
“Projects like Hollis illustrate the shift toward a new energy paradigm, where businesses take control of their energy future,” said Patty Rollin, Chief Commercial Officer at Onyx Renewables. “By adopting onsite solar, Primo Brands gains predictable, long-term access to clean power while supporting broader sustainability objectives. At Onyx, we ensure these systems integrate seamlessly into our partners’ operations, delivering measurable environmental and financial benefits.”
Operational Benefits for Primo Brands
The Hollis solar array operates under a PPA structure in which Onyx owns and operates the system, while Primo Brands purchases the clean energy produced at a predictable, long-term rate. This arrangement offers Primo a hedge against fluctuating grid electricity prices, allowing for greater budget certainty and operational stability.
Key benefits of the Hollis solar system include:
- Operational Efficiency: The behind-the-meter design is engineered to optimize energy production for onsite consumption, ensuring the facility runs efficiently while reducing dependence on conventional electricity.
- Carbon Emissions Reductions: The system is expected to generate over 18 million kWh of clean electricity annually, equivalent to avoiding more than 7,500 metric tons of CO₂ emissions each year — a tangible contribution to Maine’s and the nation’s environmental goals.
- Long-Term Cost Predictability: By locking in energy costs through the PPA, Primo Brands mitigates exposure to future grid price volatility, providing financial stability and supporting sustainable growth.
A Strategic Partnership Between Onyx Renewables and PowerFlex
The Hollis project is the result of a collaborative effort leveraging the specialized expertise of both PowerFlex and Onyx Renewables. PowerFlex, serving as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner, managed the multi-year development process, including system design, permitting, interconnection, procurement, and construction. Onyx provided the financial structure and continues to manage system operations, ensuring reliable performance and long-term energy delivery.
“Projects of this scale succeed when partners combine their unique strengths,” said Nate McMurry, Chief Commercial Officer at PowerFlex. “PowerFlex brings deep expertise in designing and constructing high-performance onsite solar systems, while Onyx ensures the financial viability and long-term operational success. Together, we are delivering clean, reliable, and cost-predictable energy to Primo Brands.”
At roughly 13 megawatts DC, the Hollis facility represents a significant investment in onsite solar energy. The project reflects growing interest among large commercial energy users for systems of this scale as companies seek to reduce emissions, manage costs, and strengthen energy resilience through distributed generation.
Positive Impact for the State of Maine
Beyond the operational and financial benefits to Primo Brands, the Hollis solar project contributes meaningfully to the State of Maine’s energy and environmental goals. Maine has set ambitious targets of achieving 80% clean electricity supply by 2030 and reaching 100% by 2040. Projects like Hollis demonstrate the role of corporate renewable energy initiatives in supporting these statewide objectives.
“This project is more than just an energy solution for a single company; it represents a tangible step forward for Maine’s energy transition,” said Richard Morin, Town Manager of Hollis. “Primo Brands delivers clean, fresh water to the community, and now their solar panels deliver clean energy. It’s a win-win partnership that benefits the town, the state, and the environment.”
The project also reinforces Maine’s leadership in distributed energy deployment, showcasing how commercial facilities can integrate renewable energy at scale, reduce carbon footprints, and provide clean energy locally. By leveraging onsite solar, Maine-based companies can actively participate in statewide energy goals while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable economy.
About Primo Brands
Primo Brands is a leading North American beverage company focused on healthy hydration. The company offers responsibly sourced, diversified products distributed across retail, foodservice, and direct-to-consumer channels throughout the United States and Canada.
Primo Brands’ portfolio includes well-known names such as Poland Spring®, Pure Life®, Saratoga®, Mountain Valley®, Arrowhead®, Deer Park®, Ice Mountain®, Ozarka®, and Zephyrhills®, along with flavored and enhanced beverages like Splash Refresher™ and AC+ION®. The company is also a leader in reusable and sustainable beverage packaging, actively reducing environmental impact across its operations.
Operating a vertically integrated distribution network, Primo Brands delivers products to more than 200,000 retail outlets and directly to homes and businesses through its Direct Delivery, Exchange, and Refill programs. The company also manages over 26,500 retail exchange locations and approximately 23,500 self-service refill stations across North America. With over 13,000 associates and dual headquarters in Tampa, Florida, and Stamford, Connecticut, Primo Brands remains committed to sustainability, community engagement, and innovation in the hydration sector. More information is available at www.primobrands.com.
About Onyx Renewables
Onyx Renewables is a national provider of predictable, affordable clean energy solutions. With more than 400 completed projects, Onyx partners with commercial, industrial, real estate, and public sector clients to deliver onsite clean energy solutions that provide cost savings, budget certainty, and energy reliability. Onyx supports the full lifecycle of energy projects, from design and financing to construction and long-term operations. Learn more at www.onyxrenewables.com or visit their LinkedIn page.
About PowerFlex
PowerFlex is a clean technology solutions company dedicated to accelerating the transition to carbon-free electrification and transportation. Its PowerFlex X™ platform monitors, controls, and co-optimizes onsite assets, including solar, energy storage, EV chargers, and microgrids, reducing overall energy costs and maximizing distributed energy resources. PowerFlex is the second-largest commercial solar installer in the United States, with over 500 MW of solar capacity and more than 50 MWh of battery storage, collectively offsetting 460,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually.
