Purchase College To Host First Large Scale Solar Energy System To Generate Clean Power And Provide Utility Savings To Community Subscribers

For Immediate Release: 3/30/22          

 

Contacts:
SUNY: Betsy Aldredge; betsy.aldredge@purchase.edu; (914) 251-6959

NYPA: Lynne Smith; Lynne.Smith@nypa.gov; (914) 346-4656

 

 

Arrays to be First Downstate Community Solar Project in SUNY System

 

New York Power Authority Would Manage Construction of 5 MW Array to Support Campus’ Environmental Sustainability and State Clean Energy Goals

 

 

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is seeking developers on behalf of Purchase College in Harrison to build a community solar energy system with a potential capacity of up to 5 megawatts (MW). The project, which would be constructed on carport canopies in two adjacent parking lots. Lot W1 and W2, at the Hudson Valley school, will be the first large scale solar energy project for Purchase and the first downstate community solar project in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It would help the 64-campus State University of New York (SUNY) system reduce its carbon footprint and move closer to achieving its clean energy goals.

 

“By generating clean renewable energy that also benefits the community, Purchase College will set an example for all of New York State,” said NYPA Interim President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “Taking those first steps into adopting clean energy solutions can come with significant challenges. NYPA works to simplify the process and reduce costs for host sites that want to do their part to boost the amount of reliable, affordable and sustainable energy entering the electric grid.”

 

The Purchase College project supports the SUNY Clean Energy Roadmap to accelerate progress toward New York State’s goal to procure 70 percent of New York’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and to transition to a carbon-free power grid by 2040.

"As a college with a long commitment to sustainability, we're very excited about undertaking our first large scale solar energy project,” said Purchase President Dr. Milagros Peña. “We look forward to continuing to lower our carbon footprint for the benefit of our campus, surrounding community, and the planet itself. We're grateful for our partnership with NYPA and the opportunity to work together to take additional positive steps that promote and support clean energy in the future."

Community solar would be installed at Purchase College and community members could subscribe and receive credits on their regular electric bill for the clean energy produced. Customers of the utility involved, in this case Con Edison, including renters and co-op/condo owners who can’t install solar on their own roofs, can save money while supporting clean, locally generated electricity.  

 

NYPA, which will act as the campus’ advisor, will manage the project. Competitive proposals are being accepted through April 27 from developers interested in designing, installing and financing a community distributed generation (CDG) solar photovoltaic system with no upfront costs to NYPA or Purchase College while earning a long-term revenue stream and guaranteeing long-term utility bill savings. Up to 5 MW of energy storage may be included as an option.

 

The selected developer would enter into a long-term agreement with Purchase College, detailing the terms and conditions for lease payments and operation and maintenance of the system. NYPA has conducted preliminary site assessments and anticipates installing up to 5 MW of solar PV.

 

To learn more about this Request for Proposal (RFP) or other bidding opportunities, visit the RFP Procurement Sectionof the NYPA web site. Interested parties are required to register in order to gain access.

 

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About Purchase College, SUNY
Purchase College, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) network of 64 universities and colleges, was founded in 1967 by Governor Nelson Rockefeller. His aspiration for Purchase was to create a dynamic campus that combined conservatory training in the visual and performing arts with programs in the liberal arts and sciences, in order to inspire an appreciation for both intellectual and artistic talents in all students. Today, Purchase College, SUNY is a community of students, faculty, and friends where open-minded engagement with the creative process leads to a lifetime of intellectual growth and professional opportunity. For more information about the College, visit www.purchase.edu.

About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter @NYPAenergy, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.