U.S. Light Energy, Standard Solar complete 7-MW New York community solar project

U.S. Light Energy, a New York solar energy company specializing in the development of solar electric and community solar systems, celebrated the completion of the 7-MW Sugar Hill Solar Farm. Local officials, project partners and U.S. Light Energy participated in a ribbon-cutting and community tour of the first community solar farm in Clifton Park, New York.

The project, located on 40 acres of land on the Sugar-Hill Farm, was developed by U.S. Light Energy. Standard Solar will own and operate the community solar farm.

The ground-mounted solar project has nearly 20,000 solar modules and is expected to produce more than 8.6 million kWh of clean energy annually.

“Starting today, Clifton Park residents can make the switch to clean, renewable energy,” said Mark Richardson, president and CEO of U.S. Light Energy. “We’re delighted to begin operations at the Sugar Hill Solar Farm with the strong support of the community, elected leaders and solar partners.”

As a participant in New York’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. 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.

“The Sugar Hill Solar Farm showcases the incredible potential of community solar,” said Scott Wiater, President and CEO of Standard Solar. “We’re honored to partner with U.S. Light Energy and the state of New York to bring this project to life and expand our solar portfolio in New York.”

The solar farm is built on previously underutilized property and received more than $1.6 million in funding from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s NY-Sun initiative, which is 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. Since 2011, solar in New York state has increased more than 1,500% and leveraged nearly $3.5 billion in private investments.

“As the first community solar farm in Clifton Park, the Sugar Hill Solar Farm will help to advance usage of clean and renewable energy,” said Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh. “The farm has preserved 40 acres of land that had been underutilized and will connect consumers to a new type of sustainable energy. I applaud Sugar Hill Farm for working with U.S. Light Energy in order to help develop this important project in Saratoga County.”