MONTICELLO, NY — There was a ground-breaking ceremony at Sackett Lake on September 6 for a solar farm to be constructed by Delaware River Solar (DRS). This 4.0 megawatt project will produce enough electricity serve about 700 homes. According to a press release from DRS, the project will offset about 10 million pounds of carbon every year that would otherwise be produced by burning more fossil fuel

This is a community solar project and as such allows New York State residents to tap into solar-produced electricity and save money on electricity bills without paying the upfront costs of installing a solar installation. Consumers can find out how to sign up by visiting www.dela wareriversolar.com/sackettlake. 

Solar development is part of New York’s State renewable energy initiative, which aims to provide 50% of the state’s energy needs with renewables by 2030.

The project was the vision of Sullivan County native J.J. Pavese, 25, of Upstate Planning, who said, “We are excited to help bring this important project to the Town of Thompson and Sullivan County. Not only are we taking positive steps to combat climate change, we are attracting millions of dollars in economic investment into the county creating local jobs and have the ability to save local energy consumers money on their utility bills.”

“We are happy to partner with J.J. and Upstate Planning to make this project a reality. Residents have the ability to save with no-risk, no-cost subscriptions,” said Cindy Menges, DRS community relations director.