- Solar Project to Provide Long-Term Energy Cost Savings,
- Reduce School District's Carbon Footprint
- See Photos and Video of the School's Rooftop Solar Arrays
Leadership from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and Red Hook Central School District joined together today (Oct 16) at the Mill Road Elementary School to announce the completed installation of three rooftop solar systems at the district's elementary, middle and high schools. The nearly $1.7 million solar arrays have a combined direct current capacity of 600 kilowatts and support 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.
"NYPA's partnership with Red Hook schools' reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and teaching the next generation about climate action, said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. "Working with the Red Hook district has been extremely rewarding for NYPA, and the new solar energy systems will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs for the district."
In total, 1,200 panels were constructed on the rooftops at the Mill Road Elementary School, Linden Avenue Middle School and Red Hook High School. NYPA financed the projects and awarded Red Hook Central School district with a $40,000 grant to support their construction. The systems constructed by Solar Liberty, a New York-based firm are the first NYPA-supported solar projects in Dutchess County.
"One of our goals as a district is to increase our energy efficiency and decrease our carbon footprint," said Red Hook Central School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Janet Warden. "In utilizing solar power gathered through solar arrays on each of our school buildings, we're showing students everybody can be involved in supporting the environment and will perhaps encourage them to take small steps to do so at home. All the while, the project will also reduce energy costs, which aids all district residents."
The new systems developed in part by the Power Authority's energy advisory services will generate more than 630 megawatt hours of energy annually and supply more than 30 percent of the estimated electricity used by the district. The projects are expected to generate the district nearly $80,000 in utility credits annually. In total, the systems will reduce the school district's annual greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 80 metric tons the equivalent of consuming nearly 9,000 gallons of gasoline.
New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan
New York State's climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation's most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is advancing a suite of efforts - including the New York Cap-and-Invest program (NYCI) and other complementary policies - to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. New York is also on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $28 billion in 61 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the State, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives and 130 certified Climate Smart Communities, over 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State's largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the State to help target air pollution and combat climate change.
About NYPA
NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA 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, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.
Contact: Media Inquiries | media.inquiries@nypa.gov | (518) 860-9935
