Generate and Cypress Creek Renewables are pleased to announce that Bogart Solar located in Greene County, New York has reached commercial operation. The 3-MW community solar project is the first of six New York solar projects (18 MW) acquired by Generate from leading solar developer Cypress Creek to reach this milestone.
With support from Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), New York State has established itself as a leader in community solar development. Through the state’s program, residential and small business electricity users near a community solar project can save money by switching to clean energy generated by the project and receive credits toward their electricity bill.
Bogart Solar
“Catskill residents will now have an opportunity to participate in New York’s growing community solar program,” said Dale Finch, Catskill town supervisor. “Our residents and local businesses have a desire for cleaner, carbon-free electricity and Bogart Solar provides a local, affordable option.”
Capable of generating enough power for more than 300 homes annually, Bogart Solar is the first community solar project in the town of Catskill and will feature 2.5 acres of pollinator-friendly habitat to be planted in the spring. Residents can sign up for a community solar subscription to the project through Ampion, a local energy provider.
Additionally, the Bogart Solar project included nearly $10,000 in funding to the Greene Land Trust to restore floodplain forest and enhance public access at the Mawignack Preserve, a nature preserve owned by Scenic Hudson in Catskill. The forest restoration and boardwalk projects were completed in the fall of 2019.
“Bogart Solar’s investment in the Greene Land Trust and Scenic Hudson’s Mawignack Preserve is a true example of community partnership and a solar farm being a good neighbor. We appreciate this support and thank all of the Scenic Hudson staff and Student Conservation Association volunteers who took part in this important habitat restoration project,” said Bob Knighton, Greene Land Trust board president.
“I’m thrilled to see that this land will be now be producing clean energy to benefit our community,” said Walter and Susan Lane, Catskill residents who own the land where Bogart Solar is located. “It’s been a pleasure working with Cypress Creek and now the Generate team throughout the development and construction process to bring the project to fruition.”
Generate has a growing New York State portfolio and pipeline of rooftop solar, community solar and anaerobic digestors.
“New York State has bold targets and we are proud to be partners in providing expertise and capital solutions at scale,” said Jigar Shah, president of Generate.
Cypress Creek has completed the development and construction of 15 community solar projects in New York State and has dozens of more projects in development. Cypress Creek will continue to be the long-term operations and maintenance provider for Bogart Solar.
“With 15 Cypress Creek-developed community solar projects now online across the state, Cypress Creek is committed to helping New York State achieve its inspiring renewable energy goals,” said Sarah Slusser, CEO of Cypress Creek. “We share New York State’s conviction that for a cleaner tomorrow we need to build more renewable projects in collaboration with local communities.”
News item from Cypress Creek Renewables
