NYSERDA and Onyx Renewable Partners complete 2.6 megawatt solar installation at former Saratoga Springs landfill

Saratoga Springs, NY According to The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Onyx Renewable Partners, they have completed the 2.6-megawatt solar installation at the citys’ former landfill. The project will help New York meet governor Andrew Cuomo’s Clean Energy Standard requiring 50% of the state’s electricity come from renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, by 2030.

The solar array is comprised of 7,992 solar panels across 14.6 acres on Weibel Ave., at the site which also serves as the city’s transfer station. The project is expected to generate 3,000 megawatt-hours per year, equivalent to the energy used by 370 homes. The energy provided is expected to offset 1,605 metric tons of CO2 emissions. The project was constructed by Onyx Renewable Partners.

Alicia Barton, president and CEO, NYSERDA, said, “Congratulations to the city of Saratoga Springs for having the vision to turn an under-utilized site like its landfill into an environmental and economic success story. Under governor Cuomo’s leadership, local communities are leading the way in embracing opportunities like this to improve their environment and fight global climate change at the same time.”

“Onyx is both excited and thrilled that the solar energy project will not only provide savings for energy usage for the city of Saratoga Springs, but it is also aligned with the city’s commitment to a greener and more efficient future,” said Onyx CEO, Matt Rosenblum.

The project was supported through NY-Sun, gov. Cuomo’s $1 billion initiative to move the state closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry. Since 2011, solar in New York state has increased 800% and leveraged $1.5 billion in private investments. NY-Sun is an integral part of gov. Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to build a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers.

“The city and its residents are excited not only to see land previously used as a landfill turned into an amazing solar facility, but also for the economic and environmental benefits the Spa Solar Park will generate for Saratoga Springs,” said finance commissioner, Michele Madigan, project leader for the city of Saratoga Springs.

“It’s extremely gratifying to see the plan that we originally crafted come to fruition,” said Sustainable Saratoga board chair Harry Moran. “The Spa Solar Park is a great example of how engaged citizens can partner with local government to affect real change in the community. Creatively repurposing a former landfill for renewable energy infrastructure reduces our carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels while saving taxpayers money — it’s a huge win for Saratoga Springs.”