Rhode Island Turns Landfill Into 5.7 MW Solar Farm

A capped landfill in Coventry, Rhode Island, just got a second life as a solar power plant that proves creative thinking can transform environmental challenges into clean energy wins.

The Coventry Landfill Solar project features a 5.7 megawatt solar array that will generate enough electricity to power approximately 600 homes each year. Even better, the installation didn't require clearing forests or sacrificing farmland since the site was already unusable for traditional purposes.

The landfill was capped in 2020 using specialized turf designed to support solar panels, setting the stage for a smooth transition to renewable energy. By the end of 2025, the solar farm was fully operational and feeding clean power into the grid.

The construction phase brought immediate benefits to the community, employing around 77 electrical and civil workers plus 15 support staff. Those jobs represented real paychecks for local families while building infrastructure that will serve the region for decades.

The Ripple Effect

The environmental impact tells an even bigger story. In its first year alone, the solar array will prevent 3,759 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. Over 25 years, that number climbs to 88,545 tons, equivalent to taking thousands of cars off the road permanently.

The economic ripples extend far beyond construction jobs. Coventry will receive approximately $4.4 million in economic benefits through lease payments and property taxes, money that can fund schools, roads, and community services without raising taxes on residents.

Similar dual-purpose projects are popping up across the country as communities realize that capped landfills, brownfields, and other compromised sites offer ideal real estate for solar installations. These locations already have grid connections, require no habitat disruption, and turn environmental liabilities into assets.

Rhode Island's commitment to renewable energy gets a significant boost from projects like this one, demonstrating that even small states can make meaningful progress toward clean energy goals. The success also shows how thoughtful planning during landfill remediation can open doors for future sustainable development.

Ameresco, the company behind the installation, worked closely with state environmental officials to ensure the project met all safety and regulatory requirements while maximizing energy production. That collaboration between private developers and public agencies created a model other communities can follow.

The solar panels will quietly generate clean electricity for the next quarter century, a lasting reminder that creative solutions can emerge from the most unexpected places.