2.9-Megawatt Solar Project in Development by SolarBank in Gainesville, New York

Rhea-AI Summary

SolarBank (NASDAQ: SUUN) has announced plans to develop a 2.9 MW DC ground-mount solar power project called the Silver Springs project in Gainesville, New York. The project is in the early stages with a secured site lease and ongoing interconnection study. Once completed, it will operate as a community solar project, potentially serving over 340 homes.

Key points:

• Project is expected to be eligible for incentives under the NYSERDA NY-Sun Program
• Community solar allows renters and homeowners to benefit from renewable energy without installing panels
• SolarBank's focus on community solar aligns with its goal of providing clean, affordable energy

The company notes several risks associated with the project, including the need for interconnection approval, required permits, third-party financing, and construction risks. Additionally, changes in government incentives and policies for solar power could impact future project economics.

Positive

• Secured site lease for 2.9 MW DC solar project in Gainesville, New York
• Project expected to serve over 340 homes upon completion
• Potential eligibility for NYSERDA NY-Sun Program incentives
• Expansion of SolarBank's development pipeline and regional presence

Negative

• Project still in early stages, subject to interconnection approval and permitting
• Dependence on third-party financing arrangements
• Risks associated with solar power project construction
• Potential changes in government incentives and policies could affect project economics

Insights

Financial Analyst

The announcement of SolarBank's 2.9 MW DC solar project in Gainesville, New York, represents a modest expansion of the company's development pipeline. While positive, the impact on SUUNF's $142.5 million market cap is likely to be in the short term. The project's community solar focus aligns with growing trends in renewable energy accessibility, potentially positioning SolarBank for future growth in this sector.

Key financial considerations include:

• Potential revenue from NYSERDA NY-Sun Program incentives
• Future recurring revenue from community subscribers
• Capital expenditure requirements for project development and construction

Investors should note that project completion is subject to various risks, including interconnection approval, permitting and financing. The company's ability to execute on this and similar projects will be important for long-term value creation. Overall, while this project alone may not significantly move the needle, it contributes to SolarBank's growing portfolio and market presence in New York's renewable energy sector.

Renewable Energy Expert

The Silver Springs project showcases SolarBank's strategic focus on community solar, a rapidly growing segment within the renewable energy sector. At 2.9 MW DC, this ground-mount installation is a mid-sized project capable of serving over 340 homes, demonstrating the scalability of community solar models.

Key technical and market insights include:

• The project's size is well-suited for community solar, balancing efficiency and local impact
• Gainesville, NY location likely offers favorable solar irradiance and land availability
• Community solar model addresses barriers to adoption for renters and homeowners unable to install rooftop systems

The NYSERDA NY-Sun Program incentives could significantly improve the project's economics. However, investors should be aware of the competitive landscape in New York's solar market and potential policy changes affecting incentives. SolarBank's success will depend on efficient project execution and effective subscriber acquisition strategies in an increasingly crowded market.

Community Solar Site Expected to Serve Over 340 Homes Upon Completion

TORONTO, Oct. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - SolarBank Corporation (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: GY2) ("SolarBank" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its plans to develop a 2.9 MW DC ground-mount solar power project known as the Silver Springs project (the "Project") on a site located in Gainesville, New York. With a secured site lease and interconnection study underway, the Project is another key addition to SolarBank's expanding development pipeline and presence in the region.

Following the interconnection study, the Company will continue to work to complete the permitting process and secure the necessary financing for the construction of the Project. The Project is expected to be eligible for incentives under the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority ("NYSERDA") NY-Sun Program.

Once completed, the Project will be operated as a community solar project. The clean energy generated by a community solar project feeds directly into the local electricity grid. Depending on the size and number of panels the project has, dozens or even hundreds of renters and homeowners can earn credits on their electric bill and save money from the electricity that is generated by the project. By subscribing to a project, community members can access the benefits of renewable energy without having to install panels on their home. SolarBank's strategic focus on community solar aligns with its goal of powering thousands of homes with clean and affordable energy.

There are several risks associated with the development of the Project. The development of any project is subject to receipt of interconnection approval, required permits, the continued availability of third-party financing arrangements for the Company and the risks associated with the construction of a solar power project. In addition, governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for solar power, which could result in future projects no longer being economic. Please refer to "Forward-Looking Statements" for additional discussion of the assumptions and risk factors associated with the projects and statements made in this press release.

Update on At-The-Market Equity Program

The Company also announces that it has entered into a second amended and restated equity distribution agreement (the "Restated Distribution ‎Agreement") with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC ("Wainwright"), Research Capital Corporation ("RCC") and Research Capital USA Inc. ("RC US", and together with Wainwright and RCC, the "Agents") to add Wainwright as a sales agent under the Company's existing at-the-‎market equity program (the "ATM Program"). The Restated Distribution Agreement restates and supersedes the previous amended and restated equity distribution agreement, dated May 23, 2024, among the Company, RCC and RC US. There can be no assurance that the Company will issue and sell any common shares under the ATM Program. The timing of any sales and the number of shares sold, if any, will depend on a variety of factors to be determined by the Company.

The Company will pay the Agents a commission of up to 3.0% of the gross offering proceeds from each ‎sale of common shares sold under the ATM Program and has agreed to provide the Agents with customary indemnification and ‎contribution rights. The Company will also reimburse the Agents for certain specified expenses in ‎connection with the entering into and performance of the Restated Distribution Agreement. ‎

Please refer to the Company's press release of May 23, 2024, for further details concerning the ATM Program.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor ‎will there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be ‎unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

About SolarBank Corporation

SolarBank Corporation is an independent renewable and clean energy project developer and owner focusing on distributed and community solar projects in Canada and the USA. The Company develops solar, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and EV Charging projects that sell electricity to utilities, commercial, industrial, municipal and residential off-takers. The Company maximizes returns via a diverse portfolio of projects across multiple leading North America markets including projects with utilities, host off-takers, community solar, and virtual net metering projects. The Company has a potential development pipeline of over one gigawatt and has developed renewable and clean energy projects with a combined capacity of over 100 megawatts built. To learn more about SolarBank, please visit www.solarbankcorp.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information ‎within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking ‎statements") that relate to the Company's current expectations and views of future events. ‎Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, ‎objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the ‎use of words or phrases such as "will likely result", "are expected to", "expects", "will ‎continue", "is anticipated", "anticipates", "believes", "estimated", "intends", "plans", "forecast", ‎‎"projection", "strategy", "objective" and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be ‎forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties ‎which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in ‎such forward-looking statements. In particular and without limitation, this news release ‎contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the Company's expectations regarding its industry trends and overall market growth; the Company's growth strategies the expected energy production from the solar power project mentioned in this press release; the number of homes expected to be powered; the receipt permits and financing to be able to construct the Project; the receipt of incentives for the Project; the use by the Company of the ATM Program and timing thereof; the number of shares of the Company, if any, to be sold under the ATM ‎Program and the use of proceeds from ‎any such sale; and the size of the Company's development pipeline. No assurance ‎can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking ‎statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These ‎statements speak only as of the date of this news release.‎

Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of the experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate, and are subject to risks and uncertainties. In making the forward looking statements included in this news release, the Company has made various material assumptions, including but not limited to: obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals; that regulatory requirements will be maintained; general business and economic conditions; the Company's ability to successfully execute its plans and intentions; the availability of financing on reasonable terms; the Company's ability to attract and retain skilled staff; market competition; the products and services offered by the Company's competitors; that the Company's current good relationships with its service providers and other third parties will be maintained; and government subsidies and funding for renewable energy will continue as currently contemplated. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect, and the Company cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to the Company's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, including those listed under "Forward-‎Looking Statements" and "Risk ‎Factors" in the Company's most recently completed Annual Information Form, and other public filings of the Company, which include: the Company may be adversely affected by volatile solar power market and industry conditions; the execution of the Company's growth strategy depends upon the continued availability of third-party financing arrangements; the Company's future success depends partly on its ability to expand the pipeline of its energy business in several key markets; governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for solar and battery storage power; general global economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our operating performance and results of operations; the Company's project development and construction activities may not be successful; developing and operating solar projects exposes the Company to various risks; the Company faces a number of risks involving Power Purchase Agreements ("PPAs") and project-level financing arrangements; any changes to the laws, regulations and policies that the Company is subject to may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the purchase and use of solar power; the markets in which the Company competes are highly competitive and evolving quickly; an anti-circumvention investigation could adversely affect the Company by potentially raising the prices of key supplies for the construction of solar power projects; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; a change in the Company's effective tax rate can have a significant adverse impact on its business; seasonal variations in demand linked to construction cycles and weather conditions may influence the Company's results of operations; the Company may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows or have access to external financing; the Company may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future; the Company is subject to risks from supply chain issues; risks related to inflation; unexpected warranty expenses that may not be adequately covered by the Company's insurance policies; if the Company is unable to attract and retain key personnel, it may not be able to compete effectively in the renewable energy market; there are a limited number of purchasers of utility-scale quantities of electricity; compliance with environmental laws and regulations can be expensive; corporate responsibility may adversely impose additional costs; the future impact of any resurgence of COVID-19 on the Company is unknown at this time; the Company has limited insurance coverage; the Company will be reliant on information technology systems and may be subject to damaging cyberattacks; the Company may become subject to litigation; there is no guarantee on how the Company will use its available funds; the Company will continue to sell securities for cash to fund operations, capital expansion, mergers and acquisitions that will dilute the current shareholders; and future dilution as a result of financings.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any ‎forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or ‎otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it ‎is not possible for the Company to predict all of them, or assess the impact of each such ‎factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to ‎differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-‎looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by ‎this cautionary statement.‎

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SOURCE SolarBank Corporation

FAQ

What is the capacity of SolarBank's new solar project in Gainesville, New York?

SolarBank's new solar project in Gainesville, New York, known as the Silver Springs project, has a planned capacity of 2.9 MW DC.

How many homes is the SolarBank SUUNF Silver Springs project expected to serve?

The Silver Springs project is expected to serve over 340 homes upon completion as a community solar project.

What incentives might the SolarBank Gainesville project be eligible for?

The project is expected to be eligible for incentives under the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) NY-Sun Program.

What are the main risks associated with SolarBank's SUUNF Silver Springs project?

The main risks include obtaining interconnection approval, securing required permits, availability of third-party financing, construction risks, and potential changes in government incentives for solar power.