Courtesy US Light Energy
US Light Energy, a solar energy company specializing in the development of solar electric and community solar systems, is constructing a solar park in Clifton Park.
The Sugar Hill Solar Farm, on 40 acres of land on the Sugar-Hill/Sugar-View Farm on Sugar Hill Road, will be the first community solar farm developed in Clifton Park, according to the company.
The 7-megawatt (MW), ground-mounted solar project will encompass nearly 20,000 solar modules. Officials said when fully operational later this year, it is expected to produce more than 8.6 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy annually—enough electricity to power up to 600 homes and businesses.
As a participant in New York state’s Community Solar Program, electricity generated at Sugar Hill Solar Farm can be supplied to customers anywhere in National Grid’s existing distribution system, without the need for rooftop solar panels, the company said. Subscribers typically save 10 percent on their electricity bills. Residential and commercial properties in Clifton Park will have 30 days to subscribe before the solar energy generated by the farm is opened to the general public.
Mark Richardson, president and CEO of US Light Energy, said the solar farm, “will produce clean, renewable energy that saves money for customers and reduces our carbon footprint. With the support of leaders in town government, elected representatives on the state and federal levels, and our partners in energy delivery and advocacy, we look forward to harnessing the power of the sun to positively impact our energy, economic and environmental futures.”
“This project is the perfect first step in building our New York portfolio of community solar projects,” said Scott Wiater, president and CEO of Standard Solar, which will own and operate the community solar farm. “We believe community solar is the future of the industry, and US Light Energy is leading the way in developing innovative projects.”
“We’re excited to partner with USLE to help homeowners, renters and businesses in the Clifton Park area save on their energy costs and lower emissions,” said Richard Keiser, founder and CEO of Common Energy, US Light Energy’s customer acquisition partner. “By supporting these projects, the entire community benefits.”
The presence of the solar farm will enable a previously underutilized property to become a new source of landowner revenue, while also preserving it from the impacts of residential and commercial development.
The project received over $1.6 million in funding from the state’s NY-Sun initiative, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). NY-Sun is a $1 billion initiative to advance the scale up of solar and move the state closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry.
“The presence of reliable energy capabilities, and in particular those that are renewable, is a critical component of economic development,” said Marty Vanags, president of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership. “We congratulate US Light Energy on reaching this milestone, and look forward to working with them to leverage this resource to attract additional economic growth to Saratoga County.”
“The Sugar Hill Solar Farm initiative by U.S. Light Energy will provide clean energy that will help Clifton Park residents save money on their electric bills and help preserve farm land in town,” said state Sen. Jim Tedisco.
US Light Energy is a Latham-based distributed generation energy development company specializing in solar and renewable energy solutions, including community solar, for residential communities and commercial customers. For more information, visit www.USLightEnergy.com.
Standard Solar, Inc. is a solar energy company specializing in the development and financing of solar electric systems nationwide. Common Energy is a New York-based renewable energy company that enables anyone to lower their energy costs and bring clean energy to their community. For more information visit www.commonenergy.us.