Largest Solar Project In New York

By Nicole Leverentz

Genesee county is getting an upgrade this year with the development of The Cidar Solar Farm in Genesee county. It was labeled as the largest solar project in New York and was named the American Solar Deal of the year by an industry consultancy. This farm is being built to keep up with New York’s aggressive renewable energy mandates and reduce our dependence on fossil fuel. 

Hectate energy LLC and greenbacker renewable energy Co. partnered and closed on a deal that includes a $373 million construction-to-term loan, a $418 million tax-equity bridge loan and a $79 million in letters of credit according to Proximo. This large fund highlights the importance of the project, not just for the local community busy also for the states clean energy goals. 

The solar farm is being built on 2,500 acres in the towns of Alabama, Elba and Oakfield. Once the project is completed it is speculated to supply enough energy to power 120,000 homes. This makes it a big contributor to the state’s energy grid and a big step into the state’s renewable energy programs. The use of solar power projects to use/ produce energy without harmful emissions, helping fight climate change and improve the overall air quality. 

Hecate energy says it will be “ supplying clean, affordable, renewable power and an array of benefits for the community, including tax revenue for local governments and schools, support for first responders and the library, employment opportunities and commercial activity for local businesses.” These contributions will also help strengthen the local economy and improve public services throughout Genesee county. 

Along with supporting the community, it is also creating employment opportunities. During the permitting and construction phase local business and workers are being contracted for engineering and surveying services. This not only does it give job opportunities it also lets the community be an active part of the project’s development.

One goal of this project is to bring affordable energy to local businesses and residents. Solar farms not only bring clean energy but they are also fighting the rising prices of electricity. As the costs of energy rise, renewable projects will help offer a more predictable and sustainable alternative. 

With construction beginning in February the local community still has some concerns. Firstly the project will be taking away precious farmland and threatening the local farming economy. Along with a high fire risk from high voltage batteries and the potential for panels to leach into minerals into the soil over time. While developers have addressed the risks with safety measures and regulations it still remains a big concern within the community. 

Overall, the Cidar Solar Farm presents benefits along with challenges. It offers environmental and economic benefits but it also highlights the need to balance the development of this project alongside of community concerns.