The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is the first nonprofit in Maine to go 100% solar. Our photovoltaic systems now generate enough solar energy to meet all of our electricity needs. We've met this goal 2 years ahead of schedule and celebrate the accomplishment on the spring equinox this Friday.

Why Go 100% Solar?

• Reducing carbon emissions is essential for battling climate change.
• Reducing energy costs will strengthen our science, education, and conservation programs.
• With dedicated partners, vision, and leadership Maine has the capacity to reach for energy independence and a sustainable future.

System Facts (through 2015)

• Four solar arrays – 3 rooftop and 1 ground-mounted
• 248 individual panels
• 73,000 kWh produced annually *
• 90,000 pounds of CO2 offset annually
• Cost: $207,157

* Maine Coastal Ecology Center 42,128 kWh, Alheim Commons dormitory 16,758 kWh, Alheim Commons ground 7,954 kWh, "post-doc" house 6,083 kWh.

See our Solar Stats

View Energy Produced, CO2 Avoided, and More

Our investment in solar infrastructure is paid in full thanks to…

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Mattina R. Proctor Foundation
• Davis Conservation Foundation
• Town of Wells
• Efficiency Maine
• and generous donors to the Wells Reserve at Laudholm

Downloads

• September 2018 Solar Update
• "100% Solar" Fact Sheet
• "Congratulating the Wells Reserve and Laudholm Trust," Congressional Record, March 16, 2015
• Senator King's "Climate Change Card"

More Reading

• Here Comes the Sun, March 27, 2013: Scott documents the beginning — 142 new panels on the Maine Coastal Ecology Center.
• Energy Initiative: The Sun is Shining Brightly, October 3, 2013: Paul explains our "conserve and convert" strategy and details progress to date.
• Full Power Ahead, July 18, 2014: Nik places our accomplishments and goals in a global context.
• A Golden Opportunity, October 2, 2014: Dan Marois tells our story in the pages of the Tourist News.
• Two nonprofits unveil solar-power systems, March 20, 2015: Kevin Miller writes in the Portland Press Herald
• Wells Reserve goes solar, March 22, 2015: Story by the staff of the York County Coast Star
• Wells Reserve is first Maine nonprofit to go 100 percent solar, March 24, 2015: Tracey Collins writes in the Journal Tribune and Making It At Home.
• The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is Now 100% Solar, April 15, 2015: Picked up by the Green Energy Times.

Photo Gallery

Visit Flickr for our solar photo album.

And…

Join us March 20 to mark our milestone.

Check out this short video from our March 20, 2015 Solar Celebration: