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: