Renewable Energy Series #2: DiPrete Engineering Solar Array Projects Throughout New England

DiPrete Engineering is proud to support the renewable energy initiatives of Rhode Island and Massachusetts, as highlighted in a recent press release. Our Renewable Energy Series of articles highlights our contributions to solar, wind, and battery projects. This month’s Renewable Energy Spotlight focuses on solar array projects.

Revity Energy Solar Array Projects – Throughout Rhode Island

Over the past ten years, DiPrete Engineering and Revity Energy, LLC (formerly Southern Sky Renewable Energy) have joined forces on multiple large-scale commercial solar projects throughout Rhode Island. This collaboration has included engineering design, survey, and permitting for numerous solar developments with outputs ranging from 1 MW to 41 MW AC. 

One notable project is the Oak Solar development in Johnston, RI, a 3.7 MW AC solar facility with a fenced perimeter of 15 acres. DiPrete provided comprehensive site engineering, permitting assistance, ALTA survey, and construction survey services. The project is part of a larger subdivision that comprises eight lots—seven newly designed single-family residential lots and one solar lot. The solar portion of the development has been completed, and the residential lots, including two independent cul-de-sacs and seven single family homes, have been designed and approved by the municipality and RIDEM (Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management), including RIDEM Site Suitability for the proposed Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS). This project is unique for its combination of large-scale solar development with residential housing, creating a cohesive layout that reflects the character of the surrounding area. Revity is currently in the process of seeking approvals to install additional solar in place of the residential homes. Adding to its uniqueness, the solar facility is surrounded by water, which yielded its own challenges for the engineering design.

 

Robin Hollow Solar – West Greenwich, RI

Another significant collaboration between DiPrete and Revity Energy is the recent Robin Hollow Solar project in West Greenwich, RI. Spanning multiple parcels with a total site area of approximately 400 acres, the project features a fenced perimeter of approximately 180 acres and a total output of 41 MW AC, making it the largest solar facility in Rhode Island as of March 2025. DiPrete’s scope of work included engineering design, survey services, and municipal and state-level permitting, including RIDEM wetlands review and Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) review. The survey work involved a comprehensive topographic and boundary survey of roughly 398 acres including a large-scale boundary retracement of 13 tax lots, the location of wetlands, brooks, and other water features, a full title review for all parcels, and the identification and establishment of multiple easements, some dating back over 100 years. Additionally, DiPrete provided ALTA/NSPS surveys for financing purposes, administrative subdivisions for lot reconfiguration, State of Rhode Island highway plats where easements and land acquisitions were required, and construction layout with property monumentation. A key aspect of this project was its complex design on a large scale, requiring careful consideration of potential environmental and community impacts throughout the design and permitting process. Multiple wetland crossings and a bridge over the Nooseneck River required review and approval from RIDEM and RIDOT. Throughout the design process, the DiPrete-Revity Energy team demonstrated adaptability by incorporating modifications and enhancements during permitting, including the implementation of visual and sound berms and coordination of buffer plantings with the project’s landscape architect, John C. Carter & Co., Inc. The Robin Hollow Solar development is currently online and operating. DiPrete Engineering and Revity Energy continue to work closely on permitting, engineering design, and survey services for additional projects, including Hidden Valley Solar in West Greenwich, RI, and Central Avenue Solar in Johnston, RI.

Iron Mine Solar – North Smithfield, RI

 

Iron Mine Solar, until recently Rhode Island’s largest solar project, is a 49.3 MW DC array spanning an impressive 162-acre site on Iron Mine Road in North Smithfield. DiPrete Engineering partnered with Green Development on this landmark renewable energy initiative, playing a critical role in its development. DiPrete provided expertise in soil testing, land planning, and comprehensive engineering design, including grading, drainage, and utility layout. The team also successfully navigated the complex regulatory landscape, securing wetlands approvals from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) and guiding the project through town-level pre-application, master plan, special use permit, and preliminary and final approval processes.

 

Brayton Road Solar – Tiverton, RI

Through a collaboration with Rhode Island Solar Renewable Energy IV, LLC and Anthony DelVicario, DiPrete provided comprehensive services including soil testing, land planning, and engineering design for grading, drainage, and utility layout on the Brayton Road Solar project, an 18 MW DC solar array located in Tiverton, Rhode Island. Spanning a 51-acre site, the project represents a significant renewable energy initiative for the region. The project features a nearly 4-mile underground interconnection to an existing substation. During the review process, DiPrete secured approvals from RIDEM for wetlands and successfully guided the project through the town’s pre-application, master plan, and final approval stages. As part of the project approval, the firm worked with a team of consultants to provide additional buffering and reforestation requirements to balance the environmental needs of the area. Once permitting was completed, RI Solar Renewable Energy leased the project to Green Development. DiPrete worked with Green Development to provide construction services for the project.

 

 

Douglas Pike Solar – North Smithfield, RI

 

 

Douglas Pike Solar, a 9.5 MW AC ground-mounted solar energy facility in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, is nearing final approval. In collaboration with developer Anthony DelVicario, DiPrete completed land planning, engineering design, and soil testing – including infiltrometer testing – for the project. Pending final approvals, construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2025. Spanning 125.3 acres along Douglas Pike, the project features 37 acres of solar arrays buffered by wetlands and vegetation, with additional landscaping for visual screening. The site includes a paved access path from Mattity Road with visitor parking, allowing access to existing and proposed hiking trails leading to Tarkiln Pond. The path, located on a vacant railroad bed, also accommodates an approved bike path, supporting potential municipal expansion. 

 

 

 

Barrett Street Solar – Oxford, MA & Brook Street Solar – Plympton, MA

 

DiPrete Engineering’s expertise in solar energy development was further strengthened by its acquisition of Andrews Surveying & Engineering (ASE) in 2021, which brought considerable experience in large-scale solar projects. Among ASE’s notable projects is the

Barrett Street Solar installation in Oxford, MA. Partnering with BlueWave and CS Energy, ASE provided civil engineering services for this 16.5-MW photovoltaic array, which was constructed on a 130-acre site previously used as a hog ranch. At the time, this project was more than twice the size of most solar installations in New England. The scope of work included stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP), compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), as-builts, site design, and construction layout. Another significant project was the Brook Street Solar installation in Plympton, MA, completed in two phases. ASE collaborated with Borrego (now Cleanleaf Energy), delivering a full suite of services, including base plan preparation, site planning, geotechnical engineering, surveying, and construction layout. 

DiPrete Engineering remains committed to advancing renewable energy solutions across New England. These projects not only highlight DiPrete’s deep technical knowledge but also its ability to manage multidisciplinary challenges, solidifying its position as a trusted partner in advancing solar energy infrastructure throughout the region. As communities and organizations prioritize sustainability, we’re proud to support projects that reduce carbon footprints and promote clean energy. Through our Renewable Energy Series, we showcase the impactful work we’re doing to shape a greener future. Stay tuned for next month’s issue! Missed the Renewable Energy Series #1 article on solar canopy projects in Massachusetts? Check it out here!