Nautilus Solar and TurningPoint Energy Unveil Landmark Community Solar Farm in Delaware
Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC (“Nautilus”) and TurningPoint Energy (“TPE”) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Georgetown, Delaware, marking the completion of a 4.7-megawatt direct current (MWdc) solar farm. The project, consisting of nearly 9,000 solar panels, is a centerpiece of a broader 30 MWdc portfolio comprising six projects developed by TPE and now entering the construction and operational phase under Nautilus’s stewardship.
The event brought together company executives, community members, and local leaders to celebrate one of Delaware’s first operational solar farms under the state’s Community Energy Facility Program. The program, created by Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) and enacted in April 2022, expanded the size cap on community solar projects to 4 MW alternating current (MWac) and mandated that a minimum of 15% of each project’s capacity serve low-income households.
Construction of the Georgetown array wrapped up earlier in 2025. It is slated to begin delivering clean, renewable electricity to customers within the Delmarva Power service area in the coming months. This effort marks the official entry of Nautilus Solar into the Delaware energy market and reflects a strategic commitment to expanding community solar access across the U.S.
A Collaborative Vision for Clean Energy Access
“This is more than just a project milestone,” said Eric LaMora, Vice President of Community Solar at Nautilus. “It’s the beginning of Nautilus’s operations in Delaware and an important step in expanding equitable access to clean, affordable energy. We are especially proud to work with TPE, a trusted partner whose values and vision align with our mission to democratize solar power.”
Salar Naini, President of TurningPoint Energy, highlighted the broader investment strategy behind the effort. “This is the first of multiple projects we plan to bring online as part of our $100 million commitment to Delaware’s renewable energy future,” he stated. “We’re proud that this project will be the first to achieve commercial operation under Delaware’s new community solar policy.”
The Georgetown solar farm is expected to generate approximately 8 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year—enough to offset significant carbon emissions while delivering real economic benefits to subscribers. These include individual residents, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses that opt into the community solar subscription model.
Policy, Affordability, and Environmental Stewardship
Senator Stephanie Hansen, a key proponent of the legislation that enabled this project, emphasized the dual environmental and economic significance. “Projects like these are critical to protecting our natural environment, but they also provide direct financial relief to households burdened by high energy costs,” she noted. “Community solar is a practical solution to meet both our clean energy targets and our responsibility to reduce utility expenses for Delawareans.”
Delaware has set a renewable energy target of sourcing 40% of its electricity from clean resources by 2035. Community solar projects like this one are expected to play a crucial role in achieving that objective while ensuring that all residents—including those without the means to install solar panels on their own homes—can benefit from the clean energy transition.
Empowering Local Communities
Among the project’s first beneficiaries is Springboard Delaware, a nonprofit organization committed to affordable housing and homelessness prevention. The organization sees energy affordability as directly tied to housing stability.
“Partnering in this solar initiative is transformative,” said Judson Malone, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Springboard Delaware. “Not only will we save on energy costs, but we’ll also be contributing to a more sustainable, equitable future for our community. Energy savings translate into more resources for housing programs and support services.”
TPE’s community investment approach includes meaningful financial support for local initiatives like Springboard Delaware. For the broader six-project portfolio, TPE has pledged $120,000 in charitable contributions, with $100,000 already donated. Nautilus Solar has committed to match TPE’s pledge, bringing the combined planned community investment to $240,000.
These funds are earmarked for local nonprofits, education initiatives, and social programs designed to create lasting community value beyond energy generation. This dual commitment—to clean energy and social impact—underscores the companies’ belief that renewable energy development should go hand-in-hand with community upliftment.
Strategic Significance and Broader Portfolio Impact
The Georgetown solar farm is just one part of a larger strategic vision by both Nautilus and TPE. The full 30 MWdc portfolio represents a significant contribution to Delaware’s distributed energy generation capacity and serves as a model for other states exploring equitable clean energy rollouts.
Nautilus’s role in the portfolio includes not only building and operating the facilities but also ensuring long-term maintenance and energy delivery to community subscribers. The company brings decades of experience managing community solar assets across the country and aims to replicate this model in new markets.
TPE, known for its development expertise and community-focused solar solutions, will continue spearheading site development and securing local partnerships. This integrated approach, combining development, operation, and community engagement, is designed to maximize project success while minimizing disruption to local ecosystems and economies.
A Future Powered by Partnerships
Both companies emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful clean energy milestones. From state lawmakers and regulators to nonprofits and individual residents, the successful launch of the Georgetown site reflects months of cooperative planning and shared commitment.
“This is how clean energy progress should look,” said LaMora. “Strong public policy, private investment, and community alignment coming together to deliver practical benefits.”
As construction on the remaining five projects in the portfolio progresses, similar ribbon-cutting ceremonies are anticipated throughout the state. With each new solar farm, Delaware moves closer to its climate goals while proving that renewable energy can be both inclusive and impactful.
