The first community solar farm in the Town of Rochester is completed and is now producing eagerly anticipated clean energy for the area. Community solar developer Nexamp, along with local and county elected officials and area residents, came together on Saturday, November 2 for a ribbon cutting to celebrate this important milestone. Town of Rochester Supervisor Mike Baden and Ulster County Executive Patrick Ryan were featured speakers at the event. 

The site, located in the hamlet of Accord along Route 209, features an extensive array of more than 14,000 solar panels, generating 5.6 MW of power and supporting more than 400 individual subscribers. In addition, 1 MW of the project is dedicated to New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA) Solar for All program for income-eligible homeowners and renters. 

"At Nexamp, we believe that clean energy-and especially solar-is for everyone. Not just those who can pay the installation costs, not just people who own their own homes, not just the people who have the right roofs, but everyone," explained Nexamp Vice President of Marketing, Kyle Marchesseault. "Our community solar program is designed to make the benefits of solar more accessible. With more than a dozen projects already completed or under construction in New York, we are excited about the future."

A second community solar site is also nearing completion on Airport Road in the Town of Rochester. "These two projects have multiple benefits," said Mike Baden, Supervisor of the Town of Rochester. "Our residents are able to save money on their monthly electric bills, the town gains a source of long-term income from the land lease agreements, and we add substantial renewable energy resources to the local CHG&E grid. We have enjoyed working with everyone at Nexamp to bring this to fruition."

"Adding more clean energy sources in the county is critical as we work toward a carbon free energy grid across New York state in the coming years," noted Ulster County Executive Patrick Ryan. "It's encouraging to see solar developers working closely with towns to design projects that meet local needs and bring economic opportunity. A healthy, vibrant future depends on these kinds of partnerships."

David Sandbank, Vice President of Distributed Energy Resources, NYSERDA said, "Under Governor Cuomo, New York is becoming one of the leading community solar markets in the nation and as part of this rapid growth, we are proud to be advancing the Solar for All program to ensure all New Yorkers have the opportunity to realize the benefits of renewable energy sources. Congratulations to Nexamp on the completion of their community solar project."

This project is one of nine across the state awarded contracts through the state's Solar for All program. As part of Governor Cuomo's $1 billion NY-Sun program, Solar For All offers eligible low-income households the opportunity to subscribe to a community solar project in their area without any upfront costs or participation fees. Eligibility for Solar for All is based on a resident's location, household income, and annual electric usage. The Solar for All portion of this project remains open for eligible residents. For more information on Solar for All eligibility and to sign up, homeowners and renters should visit NYSERDA's website or call 1-877-NYSMART. 

Although the regular community solar portion of the project on Route 209 is fully subscribed, some openings remain on the Airport Road project. Visit www.SolarforNY.com to learn more or sign up.

Nexamp | www.nexamp.com