Solar Project:
Woodside Drive
BENEFITS FOR THE WARE COMMUNITY
✅ Tax revenue of +$75,000 annually for the community, for the 20-year duration of the project
✅ Energy generated to power nearly 1,400 homes
✅ Ensures local electrical grid reliability and resilience
✅ Local generation helps to keep electricity prices affordable by avoiding transmission losses and natural gas price volatility
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 the Project
The project is located on the back acreage of 4 Stockwell Road, behind a transmission line right-of-way, where the property was previously logged. It will consist of a 20.2-acre solar array surrounded by a woven wire agricultural-style fence, and accessed via a new gravel driveway off of Stockwell Road. Electrical equipment and battery enclosures will be located within the facility. The facility will be connected to the electrical distribution grid on Stockwell Road—providing enough renewable energy to power up to 1,400 homes. National Grid is in the process of upgrading the Royalston substation, which will allow more renewable energy to interconnect and thus contribute to the state’s energy goals.
New Leaf Energy analyzes the environmental and public impacts of every project we develop. The greenhouse gas emissions avoided because of the project is equivalent to the amount sequestered by nearly 4,400 acres of mature forest annually, and the array footprint will be hidden from view due to its location in the back of the parcel.
THE PROJECT
Project Timeline
🗓️ Next Planning Board meeting: October 14, 2026
🗓️ Next Conservation Commission meeting: Late October 2026
🗓️ Estimated Interconnection Agreement date: April 2027
🗓️ Estimated construction commencement date: Spring 2028
🗓️ Estimated construction completion date: Spring 2029
🗓️ Estimated commercial operation date: Fall 2029
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 4 Stockwell Road Solar & Storage System is located in a Capital Investment Plan (CIP) region within the MA electrical grid, where planned electrical infrastructure upgrades help enable interconnection of distributed renewable energy resources, like this project.
Download our presentation: Solar Paired with Energy Storage Systems
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 Royalston will help to meet growing electricity demand with carbon-free generation, while concurrently keeping electricity rates affordable. The Royalston substation is being upgraded, allowing for more renewable energy generation locally. Furthermore, the local electricity generation provides grid reliability and resilience.
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Public input is an important part of the process. In addition to public hearings with the Royalston Planning Board and Conservation Commission, New Leaf welcomes the public to share feedback at StockwellRoadSolar@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 continuous monitoring and alert systems
Automated shutoff features
If a battery overheats, the system can isolate the unit, and engage the onboard HVAC system to cool the system immediately. Emergency services are automatically notified if thresholds are exceeded.
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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 will work closely with the Royalston Fire Department 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 StockwellRoadSolar@newleafenergy.com.