Cuomo lauds Sullivan solar project

Posted 3/14/18

ALBANY, NY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo on March 13 heralded the completion of a community solar project in Callicoon, the largest such solar project in the state.  A press release from …

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Cuomo lauds Sullivan solar project

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ALBANY, NY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo on March 13 heralded the completion of a community solar project in Callicoon, the largest such solar project in the state.  A press release from Cuomo’s office said the 2.7 megawatt array would benefit 350 households and small businesses, and dovetails with Cuomo’s goal of have 50% of the state’s electricity come from renewable energy sources by 2030.

Cuomo said, “An investment in renewable energy is an investment in the future and sustainability of New York’s environment, and the overall health of this state. This Sullivan County project will deliver energy savings to residents throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley region, while supporting the establishment of a cleaner, greener New York for all.”

The solar array is located in Callicoon, Sullivan County and includes approximately 9,800 solar panels. The project will reduce greenhouse gases by 1,670 metric tons annually, the equivalent to taking approximately 360 cars off the road.

The Sullivan County project is owned by Delaware River Solar. It received nearly $1.3 million in funding through Gov. Cuomo’s $1 billion NY-Sun initiative, which is building a self-sustaining solar industry in New York State. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) administers the NY-Sun initiative.

These community-based projects increase access to solar in areas where residents may or may not own property or have room to install solar panels at their location by enabling them to subscribe to a local community solar project. Once households and businesses subscribe, energy is still delivered through their regular electric provider, while the power produced from the solar array is fed directly back to the electric grid. As a result, the grid is supplied with clean, renewable energy, while subscribers get credit on their electric bills.

Rich Winter, CEO of Delaware River Solar said, “We are excited that our first community solar array is in our home town of Callicoon, New York. And we are very gratified by all the local support as evidenced by the fact 82% of the power is subscribed by people in Sullivan County and 52% percent in the town itself.”

Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Luis A. Alvarez said, “The completion of this precedent-setting array demonstrates both the Governor’s commitment to a ‘green’ New York and the Sullivan County Legislature’s commitment to a ‘green’ Sullivan County. We are taking the lead in advancing affordable renewable energy solutions, as well as in promoting community solar that benefits users and taxpayers simultaneously.”

Alicia Barton, president and CEO, NYSERDA said, “New Yorkers are once again joining Governor Cuomo’s commitment to fighting climate change and protecting our environment as we march toward meeting his nation-leading commitments to adoption of renewable energy. I commend all of the Sullivan County community solar subscribers for taking part in solar energy projects like this one that are not only reducing harmful carbon emissions, but creating thousands of jobs and spurring local investments all across our state.”

Cuomo earlier announced that solar power in New York increased more than 1,000% from December 2011 to December 2017, leveraging more than $2.8 billion in private investments. There are more than 12,000 people working in solar-related jobs across New York.

albany, sustainability

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