Bradley Greenleaf, a native of Maine who grew up in Skowhegan, is more than just an energy advocate; he embodies deep-rooted values of community support and empowerment. But his journey into the industry began unexpectedly.

“What brought me to the industry is actually my wife, believe it or not,” he said, crediting her with finding the wind energy program at Northern Maine Community College that launched his career in the space. After starting as a wind technician in New Mexico, Greenleaf returned home. Today, he works as a senior field technician at Farmington Solar.

“We always wanted to live in this area,” Greenleaf explained. “We’ve been able to finally build a house and settle down. Our two little girls are growing up with our nieces and nephews. It’s funny how it’s all worked out.”

Greenleaf's connection to Farmington stems from his lifelong familiarity and love for the area, very close to his childhood home. At heart, he is also a believer in the role of an all-forms-of-energy approach to meet the increasing demand. Greenleaf sees Farmington as “trying to improve everything for not just the state of Maine, but for the whole country” – as they enhance the energy grid while enriching local communities.

Solar development in Farmington has reaped substantial benefits, revitalizing the local economy, empowering farmers and giving back to the community. NextEra Energy Resources paid approximately $900,000 in landowner payments in 2024.

“Farms were going under,” Greenleaf explained, describing struggling farmers who found new lifelines through solar leases that enabled their families to save and reinvest in their properties. These partnerships not only prevented landowners from losing their farms but also turned seemingly unsuitable land into sources of economic benefit.

In 2024, NextEra Energy Resources projects generated $2.9 million in state property taxes, which provided a substantial increase to the town of Farmington's budget, bolstering essential services without burdening taxpayers. The town’s police force, firefighters and EMS personnel were enhanced with new equipment, resources and services. NextEra Energy Resources’ installation of a state-of-the-art substation further equipped the town to handle increased energy demand and promised brighter prospects for future utility needs.

Beyond that, Greenleaf's personal commitment to his community extends past his professional role.

“I always wanted to do something for the town and be a part of my town,” he explained, adding that he now serves on neighboring New Sharon's planning board. He actively engages with locals, offering insights on permitting and application processes, fostering trust and cooperation that has led many to embrace the project.

“I know the road commissioner and the code enforcement officer is my neighbor,” Greenleaf said. “Once I got to know them and my other neighbors, they were able to ask me questions. I filled them in.”

The ripple effect of Farmington's development has been profound. NextEra Energy Resources and its employees, like Greenleaf, volunteer and support local nonprofits, including the Mallet Food Pantry, Shining Star of Franklin County, Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Modesto Chamber of Commerce and York Region Chamber of Commerce. Their efforts also include donating to a coaching and refereeing training program for young people aspiring to work in professional sports, underscoring a further commitment to nurturing local talent.

Greenleaf's story is an example of how energy initiatives can transform communities, simultaneously preserving cherished lands while encouraging growth. His passion and perseverance have helped Farmington become a more vibrant place to live.

“We're all local. That’s the big thing,” Greenleaf points out, reaffirming the importance of involvement. “We’re trying to enrich as much as possible.”