Developer Solar Liberty has completed the installation of a solar-plus-storage project in the town of East Hampton on Long Island in New York.
The solar part of the project, which integrates a 75-kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system with a 137-kWh battery storage unit, has been installed on the roof of the Parks Department building at the Town Hall campus. The 165-panel system is expected to provide about 90 MWh of energy annually.
The town collaborated with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to select Solar Liberty and its financing partner Inclusive Prosperity Capital through a competitive process to develop the project.
According to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, the installation makes the Parks Department building the first building in the town to achieve the goal of net zero carbon emissions from electricity generation.
“Solar power is a key element in New York’s push to achieve a zero-emissions electricity system and achieve our nation-leading climate goals,” Governor Hochul said. “With the completion of this solar-plus-storage project, the town of East Hampton is the first municipality on Long Island to commit to a solution that integrates solar into government operations. We will continue to make bold investments in clean energy that create jobs, save taxpayer money, and build a greener future for all New Yorkers.”
The solar-plus-storage project is tied directly into Long Island Power Authority’s distribution grid and is expected to offset nearly 110,000 pounds of carbon dioxide in its first year, which is equivalent to the emissions from over 125,000 miles driven by an average passenger vehicle. The battery unit, which was added at zero cost to the town through grant support from NYPA, will capture energy and discharge it to the grid during the periods of highest demand.
The project is also expected to save town taxpayers at least $10,000 a year between bill credits and reduced electrical costs. The solar PV system will be financed through a 20-year power purchase agreement with Inclusive Prosperity Capital, with no upfront costs to the town.
The project supports New York state’s solar and energy storage targets, including achieving at least 10 GW of distributed solar by 2030. It will also assist East Hampton in achieving community-wide renewable energy in all sectors by that year.
“The Power Authority helps local governments and state agencies reach their decarbonization goals through innovative energy solutions that reduce expenses, increase resiliency and lower greenhouse gas emissions,” said Justin E. Driscoll, Acting President and CEO of NYPA. “The town of East Hampton is charting new ground on Long Island by pairing solar and storage to offset energy costs. Such inventive projects are being constructed statewide that will help further advance New York’s progress toward both its solar targets and its bold goal for a 100-percent zero-emissions electricity system by 2040.”
NYPA is also working with East Hampton on LED streetlighting upgrades, and the development on town land of the first megawatt-scale solar farm on Long Island’s South Fork.
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