Willard Scoops in South Portland, Maine, is now likely the first 100% solar-powered ice cream maker in the state. The small-batch, high-butterfat ice
Willard Scoops, a small-batch ice cream business located in South Portland, Maine, has likely become the state's first ice cream producer to operate entirely on solar energy. The shop prepares its high-butterfat ice cream on-site while emphasizing sustainability, locally sourced ingredients and strong community connections. A sign displayed at the business highlights its use of solar power.
“This was about building a business that reflects the kind of future we want to be part of,” said David Bass-Clark, owner of Willard Scoops. “Ice cream is surprisingly energy-intensive. We make more than 8,000 gallons and serve over 100,000 scoops every year. If a small neighborhood shop like ours can make this work, hopefully it shows other small businesses that sustainability can be practical, not just aspirational.”
The solar project was supported in part by Coastal Enterprises Inc. (CEI), a nonprofit community development financial institution based in the region. CEI has provided financing for solar energy systems at more than 81 businesses, farms and community facilities across Maine.
“More and more Maine businesses are seeing solar as a viable way to reduce operating costs by producing some or all of their own power,” said Jesse McKinnell, SVP of specialty finance at CEI. “Financing solar replaces the unpredictability of utility bills with a fixed payment, and once the system is paid off, the panels still have decades of productive life ahead.”
The new solar array complements a wider sustainability strategy at Willard Scoops. During the past year, the company has switched its cups, spoons and other disposable items to compostable alternatives. Through its collaboration with Garbage to Garden, the change is expected to keep roughly 15,000 pounds of waste out of the waste stream each year.
Combined, these sustainability initiatives form what Willard Scoops describes as its “Sun to Scoop” approach, bringing together locally produced ice cream, renewable energy and environmentally conscious waste management practices.
According to Solar Power World, the installed solar system is estimated to have a capacity of between 25 kW and 30 kW. The project was installed by Maine Energy Experts.
Solar energy and ice cream businesses continue to be an increasingly common combination. Last year, a Florida ice cream brand with a 50-year history completed the installation of a solar array with a capacity of nearly 800 kW.
Originally reported by Solar Power World on Jul 20, 2026.
