Business Details
11 Years
experience
Community-Scale Solar and Energy Storage Solutions
Encore Renewable Energy is a certified B Corporation dedicated to developing, owning, and operating community-scale solar and energy storage projects. With a mission to leverage business as a force for good, we specialize in transforming brownfields into brightfields and deploying dual-use solutions like pollinator-friendly ground cover and solar grazing. Our team of industry veterans, engineers, legal experts, and community leaders brings decades of combined experience in renewable energy project development, construction, and asset management. We prioritize integrity, innovation, and sustainability in every project, ensuring long-term value for communities and the environment.Our expertise spans the entire project lifecycle, from concept to completion and beyond, with a focus on revitalizing underutilized spaces and advancing a cleaner, brighter energy future. As a values-driven organization, we uphold transparency, determination, and curiosity, fostering partnerships that deliver faster, higher-quality projects while addressing climate challenges. Our commitment to social justice and environmental stewardship underscores our work, ensuring measurable impact through economic revitalization, job creation, and ecological restoration.
Services
Solar Development
Brownfield Redevelopment
Agrivoltaics
Energy Storage
Asset Management
Pollinator Habitat Design
Solar Grazing
Project Financing
Permitting Services
Community Engagement
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer 10+ years of experience in community-scale solar and energy storage development.
- Our full-service approach covers project design, financing, construction, and long-term asset management.
- We specialize in repurposing brownfields and landfills for clean energy projects.
- Our team includes industry veterans with expertise in engineering, legal, and finance domains.
- We are ISO-certified and committed to environmental and social responsibility.
Associations and certifications
- B Corporation
What people say
Delivered complex project flawlessly
Zero money out of pocket
Deep understanding of community needs
Proven track record in Vermont
Innovative pollinator-friendly solutions
Services
Solar Development
We design and develop community-scale solar projects, from concept to completion. Our expertise includes site assessment, engineering, permitting, and financing, ensuring optimized energy production and regulatory compliance. Clients benefit from reduced energy costs, job creation, and sustainable infrastructure tailored to local needs.
Brownfield Redevelopment
We transform contaminated sites like landfills and industrial properties into productive solar farms. Our process includes environmental liability mitigation, regulatory engagement, and sustainable construction. This approach revitalizes neglected spaces, boosts local tax bases, and reduces ecological footprints while generating clean energy.
Energy Storage
We integrate battery energy storage systems with solar projects to enhance grid resilience and energy efficiency. Our solutions include lithium-ion and thermal storage technologies, enabling 24/7 clean energy availability. Clients gain cost savings during peak demand and participate in emerging revenue streams through wholesale energy markets.
Agrivoltaics
We implement agrivoltaic systems combining solar arrays with agricultural practices, such as pollinator habitats and sheep grazing. This dual-use approach restores ecosystems, supports local farmers, and improves solar panel efficiency. Projects enhance biodiversity while maintaining land productivity for future generations.
Asset Management
We provide end-to-end asset management for solar and storage systems, including performance monitoring, maintenance coordination, and financial optimization. Our services ensure long-term reliability, maximize returns, and minimize downtime, offering clients peace of mind and sustained value from their clean energy investments.
People
Chad Farrell
Founder and co-CEO
Chad has 25+ years of experience in brownfield redevelopment and renewable energy. He leads Encore's innovative efforts in project design, permitting, and construction, driving growth in community-scale solar and energy storage solutions.
Blake Sturcke
co-CEO
Blake oversees Encore's financial and operational activities, including corporate development and mergers. Prior to joining, he co-founded Turning Earth, a clean energy company focused on waste-to-energy solutions, bringing strategic leadership to our team.
Jackie Basile
VP of Development
Jackie leads solar project development, leveraging her background in utility-scale solar and regulatory engagement. She ensures projects align with community needs while meeting technical and financial goals across the U.S.
Chris Clement
Chief Financial Officer
Chris brings over a decade of sustainable finance expertise, managing project funding and investment strategies. His work focuses on catalyzing low-carbon innovation and ensuring financial viability for Encore's renewable energy initiatives.
Doug MacDonald
VP of Engineering
Doug provides engineering leadership with 20+ years in renewable energy. His expertise in commercial design and system optimization ensures technical excellence and reliability across Encore's solar and storage projects.
Questions
What is community-scale solar?
Community-scale solar projects generate electricity for local communities, serving businesses, institutions, and utilities. They differ from residential systems by providing shared benefits and larger energy outputs.
How does solar work with battery storage?
Solar plus storage systems store excess energy in batteries for use during peak demand or outages. This combination ensures reliable, 24/7 clean energy availability and grid stability.
What are agrivoltaics?
Agrivoltaics co-locate solar panels with agricultural activities, such as pollinator habitats or grazing. This dual-use approach maximizes land productivity while supporting ecological and economic resilience.
How long does solar project development take?
Development typically takes 12-24 months, including permitting and financing. Construction lasts 3-6 months, depending on project size and complexity.
What maintenance is required for solar projects?
Regular inspections, performance monitoring, and site maintenance ensure optimal efficiency. Our team manages all aspects of operations to minimize downtime and maximize energy output.
How do solar projects impact property values?
Studies show ground-mounted solar has minimal impact on adjacent property values. In some cases, projects may increase local tax revenue without affecting nearby land use.