Washington Gas Energy Systems, Inc. and
Skidmore College in October announced the
completion of a solar project that will generate
renewable energy at the school.
The held a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 7
to celebrate the completion of 2,085-kilowatt
solar array.
At the ceremony, attended by U.S. Rep. Paul
Tonko, state and local officials, members of
the Skidmore College community, and representatives
of NYSERDA and Washington Gas Energy Systems, Skidmore President Philip
A. Glotzbach called the array “the next step
forward in Skidmore’s development of renewable
energy initiatives.”
“Working with Skidmore College is part of
a strategic expansion into New York, and we
anticipate that this project will be the first
of many solar and distributed generation
projects in the state,” said Sanjiv Mahan,
COO of Washington Gas Energy Systems. “We are committed to working with educational
institutions, municipalities and other organizations
across the country to reduce their
carbon footprints and improve the environment
while stabilizing energy costs.”
The system will generate 2.6 million kilowatt
hours of electricity per year over the
course of a 20-year power purchase agreement,
enough to meet 12 percent of Skidmore’s
energy needs and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions equivalent to taking 412 cars off
the road each year, according to Washington
Gas Energy Systems.
“This installation responds to the pressing
need for environmentally responsible, cost effective
energy for our campus operations,
and it exemplifies our strategic commitment
to sustainability,” said Glotzbach.
The solar array consists of 6,950 ground-mounted
solar panels spanning eight acres of
land owned by Skidmore College. Dynamic Energy
developed the project and also managed
engineering, procurement and construction.
“For decades, the Capital Region has
embraced new technologies, and it is that
commitment to forward thinking that has
positioned our communities well on a national
and global scale,” Tonko said. “Skidmore continues
its proud tradition of innovative leadership
by completing this project, greening
our environment, and cutting energy costs.
I thank President Glotzbach and his team on
campus for their dedication to ‘walking the
walk’ on clean energy.”
Officials said it was made possible with support
from the NY-Sun Competitive PV Program
through NYSERDA. NY-Sun is a $1 billion state
initiative to advance the scale-up of solar and
move the state closer to having a sustainable,
self-sufficient solar industry. The program
provides financial support for the development
of photovoltaic projects at customer
sites that stabilize long-term electricity costs
and generate no greenhouse gas emissions.
Through the Sustainable Skidmore initiative,
the college has a number of other environmental
projects ranging from composting
programs to energy conservation events.
Thirty campus buildings have geothermal
heating and cooling systems.
“The Dynamic Energy team congratulates
Skidmore College on hosting this solar system,”
said Michael Perillo, CEO of Dynamic
Energy. “The college’s support of renewable
energy reflects a true dedication to the students,
faculty and staff of Skidmore, as well
as their community. We are proud to partner
with Skidmore, NYSERDA and Washington
Gas Energy Systems on this exceptional solar
project.”
Washington Gas Energy Systems now
owns and operates 45 projects in 11 states
across the country, totaling approximately
54 megawatts.
Photo Courtesy Ed Burke