NYSERDA, City of Troy, and Monolith Solar Announce Completion of Landfill Solar Project
Solar array is part of a suite of projects that will provide about 20 percent of Troy’s municipal energy needs
Supports Governor Cuomo’s goal to have 50 percent of the State’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2030
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the City of Troy, and Monolith Solar today announced the completion of a 603-kilowatt solar array at the city’s former landfill. This array completes the City’s solar project that included six installations and supports Governor Andrew Cuomo’s goal to have 50 percent of the State’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2030.
This suite of six solar projects, in locations inside and outside of Troy’s city limits, were developed by Monolith Solar of Rensselaer. Supported through NY-Sun, Governor Cuomo’s $1 billion initiative to advance the scale-up of solar and move the State closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry, the project’s six sites have all been commissioned with the landfill being the final and largest of the six projects.
The entire suite of projects will produce 2.1 megawatts of electricity, which City officials say will provide about 20 percent of Troy’s municipal energy needs while helping the City save an estimated $2 million over the next 10 years. Other sites where solar arrays are installed for the project include the Knickerbacker Ice Arena, Frear Park and the Troy Public Works complex.
Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA said, “The City of Troy’s project is the latest example of how solar can provide clean energy and reduced costs for residents and businesses throughout New York. Projects like this support job creation and spur local investments all across our state and I applaud the City for joining Governor Cuomo’s commitment to fighting climate change and protecting our environment."
Troy Mayor Patrick Madden said, “Investment in renewable energy is an important part of Troy’s commitment to build a cleaner, greener community for the benefit of future generations. Completion of the first phase of our solar installation project is a win-win for our city, reducing costs for taxpayers while meeting our energy needs through renewable energy sources. With the support and assistance of Governor Cuomo, NYSERDA, and in partnership with Monolith Solar, the City of Troy remains fully committed to pursuing new energy-saving initiatives and acting responsibly to confront the challenges of global climate change.”
Monolith CEO Mike Hickey said, “The City of Troy has demonstrated extraordinary leadership on the issue of energy-related pollution with this initiative. It’s almost poetic that the landfill, a highly visible reminder of the human impact on our environment, is hosting this solar farm to reduce the hidden, yet no less serious, effects of non-renewable power generation. Our mission is to empower communities to choose clean, accessible energy to build a sustainable future together, and our partnership with the City of Troy is that mission coming to life.”
Troy invested in the solar project without any capital expenditures through a 25-year power purchase agreement and is able to offset the energy costs by contracting at a predictable rate through the PPA term, which includes an annual inflation adjustment for Monolith as well as a savings guarantee.
The City and Monolith are now designing a second solar array at the landfill site that would generate up to 2.7 megawatts. That project is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with the combined output of the entire Troy portfolio providing from 40 to 50 percent of the city’s energy needs.