Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced the completion of the first community solar paired with energy storage project in New York. The milestone project will reduce the energy costs for approximately 150 households in Westchester County and New York City as well as provide power to 12 Tesla electric vehicle supercharging stations. Today’s announcement supports Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s goals to install 6,000 megawatts of solar by 2025 and 3,000 megawatts of energy storage by 2030, as called for in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
“New York remains unwavering in our commitment to developing renewable energy resources that will grow our clean energy economy and advance our nation-leading plan to fight climate change,” Governor Cuomo said. “This first-of-its-kind project in New York combines renewable energy and energy storage that together will deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable energy creating a model for communities around the state.”
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who made the announcement at a ribbon cutting event in Yorktown Heights, Westchester County, said, “This announcement of the first completed community solar paired with energy storage project marks another major renewable energy milestone in New York. IPPsolar and Urstadt Biddle Properties had the vision and commitment to make this project a reality, and will serve as an example to other commercial properties that these projects can provide clean, affordable energy for years to come. We are proud in New York to lead the way with our commitment and efforts to combat climate change and build back better, cleaner and greener for future generations.”
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), through its NY-Sun and Retail Energy Storage programs, provided nearly $800,000 in support of the community solar-plus-energy storage project, which is expected to provide participants with approximately 10 percent savings on their monthly electricity bills for 25 years, as well as provide power to Tesla’s electric vehicle charging stations.
Installed by IPPsolar LLC, and owned and operated by Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc., the 557-kilowatt rooftop solar project is comprised of nearly 1,500 panels and paired with 490-kilowatt four-hour Tesla Powerpack lithium-ion batteries.
Doreen M. Harris, Acting President and CEO, NYSERDA said, “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, community solar is becoming an increasingly popular option for New Yorkers across the state as it allows those who have challenges hosting their own solar installations to still participate and receive the benefits of clean energy through a community-based option. This first community solar project paired with energy storage also provides a system that allows for the clean energy produced to be used where and when the electric grid needs it the most.”
Community solar offers households the opportunity to benefit from a solar project in their area often without any upfront costs or participation fees. These projects increase access to solar for homeowners and renters who may not have ideal conditions to install solar panels at their household. Energy is still delivered to participants through their regular electricity provider while the power produced from the community solar project is fed directly into the electric grid. As a result, the grid is supplied with clean, renewable energy and the participants receive credit for this power through their electric bills.
NYSERDA’s Retail Energy Storage Incentive program provides commercial customers funding for standalone, grid-connected energy storage or systems paired with new or existing clean, on-site generation, such as solar. There are currently 50 community solar projects paired with energy storage across the state in NYSERDA’s project pipeline which are expected to be installed in the next two to three years. The energy storage systems store solar energy in the morning and discharge the energy to the grid in the late afternoon and evening hours, when power needs and grid stress are greatest.
County Executive George Latimer said, “Westchester County’s – and the world’s – energy future depends on the utilization of innovative and clean renewable sources. This program led by Governor Cuomo helps advance these new sources from mere ideas toward the new climate reality we must leave for future generations. The Community solar program will provide cheaper and more efficient alternatives for Westchester residents for a more sustainable tomorrow.”
Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater said, “Reducing Yorktown’s carbon footprint is critical as we face increasingly violent storms that scientists tell us are caused by global warming. We all have a role to play in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.”The project is located behind Staples on Route 2020 in Yorktown.
