Two distributed generation solar PV systems will be started constructing in Oneida County, New York by NextEra Energy Resources with a special-designed funding for energy development. The two ground-mounted fixed-array systems will consist of modules from Suntech Power and Canadian Solar, and it will have a cumulative capacity of 5.2MWdc when starts commercial operation in, expected, October 2015
"The state of New York has made a commitment to a cleaner energy future, and we're happy to play a role in helping them to achieve this vision," said Matt Handel, vice president of development for NextEra Energy Resources. "Now we're entering the most exciting phase of a solar project, watching the system come to life and begin generating clean, reliable power for the local community." The construction will be conducted by an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources.
The two distributed PV systems will feature a combined total of 17,086 solar modules from Suntech Power and Canadian Solar. Oneida County will purchase the electricity generated over the term of a 25-year power purchase agreement with the NextEra Energy Resources subsidiary, and the subsidiary will own, operate and maintain the systems for the life of the contract.
"We continue to leave no stone unturned when it comes to saving taxpayers' money. This is a long-term plan, with no cost to county government, which will result in long-term savings over a 25-year period. Any time we can take part in a program with a great company like NextEra Energy Resources that allows us to save money while keeping a commitment to a cleaner, energy future, we are glad to be a part of it," said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr.
The projects are utilizing funding incentives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Competitive PV program, which are intended to dramatically increase solar capacity and move the state of New York closer to its vision of a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry.
(Photo Credit: NYSERDA)