Republic Services and renewable energy company Soltage today celebrated the activation of a 13.5-MW solar energy project constructed on three former landfill sites, or brownfields, in Massachusetts. Based on preliminary estimates, this project is expected to produce enough electricity to power 1,900 local households.

The project has approximately 41,000 solar panels that will provide electricity for Massachusetts municipalities. These solar farms, located in East Bridgewater, Plainville and Randolph, are also expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 14,000 tons, which is the equivalent of removing the impact of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from almost 2,000 homes.

“We believe in leading by example in everything we do,” said Nick Stefkovich, market vice president of Republic Services. “This solar project reflects Republic’s commitment to environmental responsibility and our efforts to make a meaningful and lasting environmental difference in the communities we serve. New England is home to considerable natural beauty and we are truly proud to invest in its preservation.”

Landfills can often provide opportunities to harness energy from yesterday’s waste and convert it into renewable energy for tomorrow’s power needs. This project in Massachusetts represent Republic’s commitment to the expanded application of solar energy technologies on former landfills, and complements existing solar energy projects in Texas, Georgia and Nevada.

“Solar is an excellent development opportunity for former landfills, providing additional revenue streams to the landowner, affordable power for the local communities and strong environmental benefits for the state,” said Jesse Grossman, CEO of Soltage. “Republic has shown their commitment to environmental leadership as well as their commitment to supporting the local community. By installing solar infrastructure on landfills, together we’re able to provide low-cost power for local Massachusetts communities and support the local economy.”

Basalt Infrastructure Partners, an independent infrastructure investment firm, acted as the primary investor on the project. This is the first solar project between Republic and Soltage, and the first project completed as part of the Basalt-Soltage $140 million equity capital partnership to fund over 100 MW of commercial and industrial (C&I) and utility-scale pipeline of solar projects across the United States.

Known as the Blue Planet sustainability initiative, Republic is defining its approach to environmental responsibility through decreased vehicle emissions, innovative landfill technologies, the generation and use of renewable energy, community engagement and employee growth opportunities.