US independent power producer Pivot Energy and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Rivian have partnered to build 60MW of community solar in Illinois, US.

Rivian has committed to purchase renewable energy certificates (REC) generated from 50MW of solar PV, while subscribing to the remaining 10MW of community solar from Pivot Energy that will power its manufacturing facility in the state.

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According to Pivot Energy, partnering with the EV maker will allow for the buildout of solar capacity in locations that are more fossil fuel dependent.

A spokesperson from Pivot Energy told PV Tech that construction of the projects has already begun. The earliest project is expected to be online in the fourth quarter of 2024, and the rest will be commissioned throughout 2025 and 2026.

The two companies will invest $5,000 per MW built in local community organisations, which will, among other things, reduce the energy burden for low-income families.

Mat Elmore, SVP of strategic accounts at Pivot Energy, said: “This marks a significant step in scaling up renewables nationwide by providing a blueprint for how the auto industry can expand their energy impact in areas that need it most.”

Corporate community solar

This is the latest partnership Pivot Energy signed with a company for community solar projects. Last March, US retail giant Walmart invested in 19 solar projects across the US, 15 of which were community solar projects.The partnership between the companies was made through a tax equity investment for the construction, operation and maintenance of the solar portfolio.

Updated on 24 May to add information regarding the status of the projects and their operational date.

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