Solar & Storage Project:
66 N Union St
BENEFITS FOR THE PLAINFIELD COMMUNITY
✅ Tax revenue of +$100,000 annually for the community, for the 20-year duration of the project
✅ Energy generated to power more than 1,000 homes
✅ Ensures local electrical grid reliability and resilience
✅ Local generation helps to keep electricity prices affordable
Safety is Priority #1
Safety is at the core of every New Leaf Energy project. All BESS facilities must meet strict state and national safety codes before receiving approval to operate.
Each system is remotely monitored, has built-in fire protection features, has a site-specific Emergency Response Plan (ERP), and is regularly inspected and maintained.
ABOUT SOLAR & BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
Powering a reliable, resilient grid
Solar and battery energy storage systems are an essential part of building a modern, resilient, and low-carbon electric grid. When solar projects are paired with energy storage, solar energy becomes more reliable and flexible by delivering energy when people need it most.
Pairing a solar project with battery energy storage allows excess daytime solar power to be stored and used when the sun isn’t shining, increasing overall efficiency and reliability. Batteries help smooth fluctuations in solar output and can provide valuable grid services like peak load reduction. This lowers electricity costs and enhances resilience during outages. It also reduces carbon emissions by replacing fossil fuel generation during peak demand. Overall, solar-plus-storage creates a more flexible, reliable, and sustainable energy system.
The N Union St Solar & Storage System in Plainfield, MA is located adjacent to existing transmission lines and would connect to the local substation, located only ~1,400 feet away, which has recently been upgraded to accommodate additional distributed renewable energy resources, just like this one.
Download our presentation: Solar Paired with Energy Storage Systems
Project Timeline
🗓️ Next Conservation Commission meeting: 11/26/2025
🗓️ Next Planning Board meeting: 12/3/2025
About the N Union St Project
The project is located at 66 N Union Street, on a 67-acre parcel approximately 1,500 feet north of the Plainfield Fire Station. It will consist of a 23-acre solar array surrounded by a woven wire agricultural-style fence, and accessed via a gravel driveway utilizing the existing residential driveway entrance onsite. Electrical equipment and battery enclosures will be centrally located within the facility, and enclosed by a sound barrier wall. The facility will be connected to the electrical distribution grid on North Union Street—providing enough renewable energy to power up to 5,000 residential homes.
THE PROJECT
ABOUT NEW LEAF ENERGY
New Leaf Energy is a renewable energy developer committed to accelerating the transition to a world powered by renewable energy. With more than 20 years of experience, we’re the leading renewable energy developer in New York, Massachusetts, and Maine.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Massachusetts has set ambitious goals for clean, reliable, and affordable energy. A solar and storage facility in Plainfield will help to meet growing electricity demand with carbon-free generation, while concurrently keeping electricity rates affordable. Furthermore, the local electricity generation provides grid reliability and resilience.
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Yes. Public input is an important part of the process. In addition to public hearings with the Plainfield Planning Board and Conservation Commission, New Leaf welcomes the public to share feedback at PlainfieldSolar@newleafenergy.com.
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Each battery system is housed in a sealed steel container with internal compartments for added protection. Containers include:
On-board voltage, temperature, and gas monitoring
Climate control and fire suppression systems
Automated shutoff features
If a battery overheats, the system can isolate and cool that unit immediately. Emergency services are automatically notified if thresholds are exceeded. Each container also includes an aerosol fire suppression system that rapidly reduces temperature and prevents ignition without using water.
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Yes. A detailed ERP will be developed in coordination with local emergency services and will meet or exceed all relevant safety regulations. It will address emergency response, public notification, inspection, and battery recycling/disposal procedures.
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Yes. New Leaf Energy has met with the Plainfield Fire Department and will continue to to work closely with them to ensure the project meets or exceeds all fire safety requirements.
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New Leaf Energy is a national renewable energy development company that designs and builds battery storage, solar, and wind projects across the U.S. Our mission is to lead the transition to a clean, resilient, and decarbonized energy future.
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Please send all inquiries to PlainfieldSolar@newleafenergy.com.