Discount retailer Dollar Tree and renewable energy solutions provider DSD Renewables announced a new agreement to deploy a community solar portfolio to power select Dollar Tree and Family Dollar locations in New York.

Under the new collaboration, the companies will deploy seven projects, with capacity of nearly 42 MW, built by DSD, with Dollar Tree serving as an anchor tenant subscriber, offtaking a majority of the energy generated.

According to the companies, the portfolio is estimated to generate approximately 56 GWh of clean energy annually, equivalent to avoiding over 24,000 metric tons of CO2 each year. Two of the projects are currently under operation, with the remaining five under construction and expected to be operational in stages beginning in fall 2023.

Katie Kavanaugh, Community Solar Manager at DSD, said:

“We’re excited to have household names and recognized industry leaders like Dollar Tree and Family Dollar supporting our community solar portfolio. Not only are we determined to help them reach their energy goals, but their participation as an anchor offtaker introduces the necessary backing to more readily deploy our projects, opening up access to communities that may not have had a chance to partake in these programs otherwise.”

The agreement follows a commitment announced earlier this year by Dollar Tree to set a science-based net zero target by June 30, 2024, with the company assessing renewable energy procurement to help   achieve its future emissions reduction targets. According to the companies, the new community solar portfolio will offset 29% of the energy needs of 184 Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores in New York.

In addition to helping meet its operational energy demands, Dollar Tree said that the projects will also support solar programs for various local communities and small businesses.

Jennifer Silberman, Chief Sustainability Officer at Dollar Tree, Inc., said:

“Community solar is a unique and emerging energy solution for many of our facilities. Serving as an anchor subscriber will power our facilities with renewable energy and help us toward our future Net Zero commitment. Simultaneously, it allows us to deliver real benefits to the communities we serve, increasing access to clean, affordable energy for residents and local businesses.”