Microsoft has signed a long-term agreement with Nexamp to develop a portfolio of community solar projects across the US.

The partnership will develop a portfolio of 100 new projects, with a combined capacity of 300MWac across five independent system operator regions. These include New England, New York, Mid-Atlantic, Midwestern, and Western states.

As part of the agreement, Microsoft will purchase renewable energy certificates (REC) from the solar portfolio to help meet its 2030 carbon negative commitment.

“This collaboration with Nexamp ensures our sustainability efforts go beyond reducing emissions—they drive local impact where it’s really needed,” said Adrian Anderson, general manager of renewables, carbon-free energy, and CDR at Microsoft.

The projects are scheduled to be completed over the next four years. They will be constructed in communities that have a small solar footprint, and according to the partners, will feature at least one community benefit, ranging from workforce development to energy bill savings.

“This collaboration with Microsoft accelerates our mission to make solar accessible to everyone – regardless of income or homeownership – while also creating local jobs and economic opportunity,” said Zaid Ashai, CEO of Nexamp. “Microsoft’s support enables us to scale up solar in many communities across the country, connecting thousands of new households to the clean energy revolution while also advancing American energy independence.”

Community solar projects refer to projects where multiple participants, such as individuals, businesses, or non-profits, share the benefits of the generated electricity at a discounted rate.

Microsoft has signed a number of community solar deals to decarbonize its operations and support local communities across the US. In February, Microsoft partnered with Clearloop to deploy up to 100MW of solar projects across 20 socioeconomically diverse American communities, including in Arkansas and Louisiana.

Last August, the company signed a five-year framework agreement with Pivot Energy to develop up to 500MW of community-scale solar energy projects across 20 US states, including Colorado, Maryland, Illinois, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. As part of the agreement, Microsoft will purchase RECs tied to the projects over a 20-year period.