FAQs
How was the Cape Cod Country Club chosen for these projects?
As PureSky Energy was exploring locations for these projects, the company was put in touch with the owner of the country club. From the start, it was a priority to find a site that was already cleared or previously developed. In fact, the Massachusetts state government encourages solar development on golf courses for this reason because they offer open land without requiring major forest clearing or habitat disruption.
Why did the current owner not sell the land to another golf course operator?
We cannot speak for the owner, but we know the family was looking to exit the golf course business in the area and explore alternative land use options for the course. Through our agreement with the Friels, the local community can continue to enjoy and benefit from the land.
Is this community solar or an industrial site?
This is a community solar site, meaning that the energy generated will provide savings on electricity to the local community, with Falmouth residents and businesses receiving first priority for subscriptions. It costs nothing to participate and is available to any local Eversource customers interested in subscribing. Subscribers will receive guaranteed savings on their overall electricity costs, with added discounts available for income-eligible households.
How will the projects improve or impact groundwater and runoff?
About 10 acres of trees will be cleared for the projects, mostly small clusters between fairways that offer limited wildlife habitat. To replace them, PureSky will replant roughly 16 acres of new trees and native vegetation in areas better suited for long-term ecological restoration. Overall, the projects will increase total tree cover and improve habitat quality across the site. Additionally, the areas under and around the solar panels will be planted with native, pollinator-friendly grasses and wildflowers, turning nearly 60 acres of former fairways into habitat for bees, butterflies, and other wildlife.
How much of the projects involve tree removal or clearing, in particular “virgin forest”? What’s being done to offset clearing?
About 10 acres of trees will be cleared for the projects, mostly small clusters between fairways that offer limited wildlife habitat. To replace them, PureSky will replant roughly 16 acres of new trees and native vegetation in areas better suited for long-term ecological restoration. Overall, the projects will increase total tree cover and improve habitat quality across the site. Additionally, the areas under and around the solar panels will be planted with native, pollinator-friendly grasses and wildflowers, turning nearly 60 acres of former fairways into habitat for bees, butterflies, and other wildlife.
What are the direct economic benefits for the town?
The projects will not only deliver enough clean energy to power thousands of local homes with a priority for Falmouth residents, but it will also bring millions in infrastructure upgrades, taxes, and PILOT contributions to Falmouth. Through these projects, the town gains long-term control and predictable revenue.
How will local residents, especially low-income families, benefit financially?
The projects will produce reliable renewable energy, with Falmouth residents and businesses receiving first priority for subscriptions. Local residents and small businesses will be eligible to receive a 20% discount on the supply portion of their monthly electricity bill. Additionally, for income-eligible households, this discount increases 100% of the supply portion of their electricity bill.
Will any public funds be required for these projects?
There are no public costs – the entire investment is private. PureSky will even fully fund the project decommissioning and site restoration when the projects end. PureSky will negotiate the required Decommissioning Agreement with the Town that includes delivery of a bond. In the unlikely event that PureSky is unable to remove the projects at their end or at any time in between, the Town would use the bond to pay for all removal costs. Also, it’s important to note that there won’t be any additional labor or burden on town services related to these projects.