Primo Brands has energised a 13-megawatt DC on-site solar project at its Poland Spring bottling facility in Hollis, Maine, in partnership with Onyx Renewables and PowerFlex.

The ground-mounted solar array, located adjacent to the Hollis facility, is expected to generate approximately 18 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

The system is designed as a non-export, fully behind-the-metre installation, meaning the electricity produced will be consumed directly at the site. The output is projected to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint and provide long-term energy cost predictability.

The project was developed, engineered and constructed by PowerFlex. Onyx financed the system and will own and operate it under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA), through which Primo Brands will purchase the electricity generated at a predetermined rate.

Charles Fogg, chief sustainability officer at Primo Brands, said: “... water is our business, and being good stewards of natural resources is core to who we are. That means thinking carefully about how we use resources like energy and how we operate for the long-term within communities. Powering our facility in Hollis, Maine, with renewable energy reduces our reliance on traditional energy sources and helps us reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

The 13 MW DC system is considered large by commercial onsite solar standards. It reflects growing demand for distributed generation projects that allow businesses to manage long-term energy costs and address rising electricity prices.

Patty Rollin, chief commercial officer of Onyx Renewables, added: "Projects like this represent the shift to a new power paradigm where businesses can take control of their energy future. By adopting on-site solar, Primo Brands gains cost predictability and reliable clean power."

"At Onyx, we make sure these solutions fit seamlessly into our partners’ operations, and we’re proud to work alongside PowerFlex to deliver a system that supports Primo Brands’ sustainability goals while strengthening energy resilience."

Under the PPA structure, Onyx will provide long-term asset management and maintenance services. PowerFlex managed the multi-year development process, including interconnection and permitting, system engineering, procurement and construction, as well as PPA negotiations.

Nate McMurry, chief commercial officer at PowerFlex, commented: “Projects like Hollis succeed when each partner brings deep specialisation. PowerFlex develops and builds high-performance onsite solar, and Onyx provides the underwriting and long-term commitment that makes a project like this possible – together delivering clean, cost-predictable power for Primo Brands."

"At 13 megawatts DC, Hollis is a large onsite solar system by commercial standards. We’re seeing growing demand for projects at this scale as companies look to reduce emissions, manage energy costs and invest in resilient, distributed energy solutions.”

In addition to benefits for Primo Brands, the project contributes to Maine’s clean energy targets of 80% clean electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2040.