U.S. Light Energy, a leading New York solar energy company specializing in the development of solar electric and community solar systems, celebrated the completion of the Sugar Hill Solar Farm. Local officials, project partners and U.S. Light Energy participated in a ribbon cutting and community tour of the first community solar farm in Clifton Park, New York.

The project, located on 40 acres of land on the Sugar-Hill/Sugar-View Farm on Sugar Hill Road, was developed by U.S. Light Energy, a leading New York solar energy company. Standard Solar, a leading solar energy company specializing in the development and financing of solar electric systems nationwide, will own and operate the community solar farm.

The 7-megawatt, ground-mounted solar project encompasses nearly 20,000 solar modules and is expected to produce more than 8.6 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy annually - enough electricity to power up to 600 homes and businesses.

"Starting today, Clifton Park residents can make the switch to clean, renewable energy," said Mark Richardson, President and CEO of U.S. Light Energy. "We're delighted to begin operations at the Sugar Hill Solar Farm with the strong support of the community, elected leaders and solar partners." 

As a participant in New York state's Community Solar Program, electricity generated at Sugar Hill Solar Farm can be supplied to customers anywhere in National Grid's existing distribution system, without the need for rooftop solar panels. Subscribers typically save 10 percent on their electricity bills. Residential and commercial properties in Clifton Park will have 30 days to subscribe before the solar energy generated by the farm is opened to the general public.  

"The Sugar Hill Solar Farm showcases the incredible potential of community solar," said Scott Wiater, President and CEO of Standard Solar. "We're honored to partner with U.S. Light Energy and the state of New York to bring this project to life and expand our solar portfolio in New York."

Along with Mr. Richardson and Mr. Wiater, the ribbon cutting featured New York StateSenator Jim Tedisco (R, C, I, REF-Glenville) and New York State Assemblymembers Patricia Fahy (Assembly District 109) and Mary Beth Walsh (Assembly District 112). The ceremony was followed by a community tour of the farm.

The solar farm is built on previously underutilized property preserving it from the impacts of residential and commercial development and provides a new source of landowner revenue.

The project received more than $1.6 million in funding from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's NY-Sun initiative, which is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). NY-Sun is a $1 billion initiative to advance the scale up of solar and move the state closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry. Since 2011, solar in New York state has increased more than 1,500 percent and leveraged nearly $3.5 billion in private investments.

"New York State is committed to reducing emissions, increasing renewable energy's share of our power supply, and combatting climate change," said Assemblymember Fahy. "Our passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act will help to facilitate even more initiatives like NY-SUN, and by extension even more renewable energy projects. The Sugar Hill Solar Farm showcases the potential of clean energy in New York and will set an example for community solar projects throughout the state."

"This important project preserves our region's farmland while contributing to a clean energy economy," said Senator Tedisco. "Clifton Park will reap the benefits of the Sugar Hill Solar Farm."

"As the first community solar farm in Clifton Park, the Sugar Hill Solar Farm will help to advance usage of clean and renewable energy," said Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C,I-Ballston). "The farm has preserved 40 acres of land that had been underutilized and will connect consumers to a new type of sustainable energy. I applaud Sugar Hill Farm for working with U.S. Light Energy in order to help develop this important project in Saratoga County."

U.S. Light Energy | www.uslightenergy.com

Standard Solar | www.standardsolar.com