Distributed Energy Infrastructure (DEI) has completed a 7.1MW solar and 4MW battery storage project in Massachusetts, USA, on a site formerly occupied by a chemical manufacturing facility.
The land had been classified as an EPA Superfund site due to severe soil contamination, including asbestos.
The project, owned by Syncarpha Capital with racking provided by Terrasmart, was named a finalist in Solar Builder’s 2025 Project of the Year Awards in the 1–10MW category.
To ensure safe construction on the contaminated site, DEI implemented a series of environmental and health safeguards. Crews trained in hazardous materials handling followed specialised safety protocols, and excavation was kept to a minimum.
Most electrical infrastructure was built above ground to avoid disturbing the soil, while the system was designed around existing structures, such as old concrete slabs, to reduce site disturbance.
The company also worked with six regulatory agencies and developed contingency plans in case of hazardous material discoveries. When asbestos was found, certified specialists managed its removal under regulatory oversight.
“Projects like Acton show what it takes to responsibly bring clean energy to communities while addressing the challenges of building on historically contaminated land,” said Sean Harrington, President and CEO of Distributed Energy Infrastructure.
“By transforming a brownfield into a productive solar and storage site, we’re expanding access to renewable energy, strengthening the local grid, and putting otherwise unusable land back to work.”
The Acton project is expected to deliver long-term environmental and community benefits by repurposing contaminated land, preserving open space, and creating nearly 40 local jobs during construction.
The community solar model paired with battery storage will enhance grid resilience and generate new tax revenue for the town, supporting Massachusetts’ SMART and Clean Peak Standard programmes.
“Brownfield redevelopment is a powerful way to expand clean energy access while addressing the legacy of industrial contamination,” said Graeme Dutkowsky of Syncarpha Capital.
“This project demonstrates how … building brownfield solar projects can turn an underutilised site into a long-term source of reliable power and local economic value.”
[Image credit: Distributed Energy Infrastructure]
