The Cider Solar Farm is a 674 MWdc utility scale solar project located in Genesee County, New York, and it has now secured the last piece of its capital stack. In February 2026 owner Greenbacker closed a $440 million tax equity commitment from U.S. Bank and M&T Bank, completing a nearly $1 billion package.
What the Cider Solar Farm Means for US Solar Supply
With financing settled, the 500 MWac farm remains on course for commercial operation in late 2026. Cider is the kind of utility scale buyer that domestic manufacturers court, among them the newly expanded ES Foundry Greenwood solar cell hub, whose American made cells let developers claim the 10 percent domestic content tax credit.
Project Overview
- Project Name: Cider Solar Farm
- Location: Genesee County, near Elba and Oakfield, New York
- Capacity: 674 MWdc, rated at 500 MWac
- Project Value: Nearly $1 billion in aggregate financing, including a $440 million tax equity commitment closed in February 2026, per Greenbacker and pv magazine USA
- Client / Owner: Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC
- Original Developer: Hecate Energy LLC
- Key Components: About 2,500 acres of ground mounted photovoltaic panels, galvanized steel tracker racks, advanced inverters and high voltage interconnection
- Output: Roughly 1 million MWh a year, enough to power about 120,000 households
- Construction Start: Early site work in late 2024, with major construction from May 2025
- Expected Completion: Commercial operation in late 2026
- Sustainability Features: Agrivoltaics with sheep grazing on more than 300 acres, expandable beyond 1,000, offsetting about 680,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide in year one
Project Team
- Owner and Operator: Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC
- Original Developer: Hecate Energy LLC
- Tax Equity Providers: U.S. Bank and M&T Bank
- Skilled Labour: Carpenter’s Local 276
- Siting Regulator: New York Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Transmission
- Main Contractor: Not publicly named
Reported 28th January 2025: Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC, an energy transition-focused investment manager and independent power producer, has announced the start of major construction activities on its Cider Solar Farm in Genesee County, New York. Once completed in late 2026, Cider will become New York’s largest solar farm to date, delivering major energy and economic benefits to the region.
Clean Energy for 120,000 Households
Cider is expected to supply approximately one million megawatt-hours of renewable electricity annually, enough to power around 120,000 New York households. The project is also projected to generate nearly $100 million in local revenue over its lifespan through property taxes, host community agreements, and tax benefits, providing a long-term boost to the Genesee County economy.
“The start of major construction on New York’s largest solar energy project is a proud moment,” said Dan de Boer, Greenbacker Interim CEO and Head of Infrastructure. “Cider offers tangible benefits to Genesee County communities and the broader region, and it represents a milestone in New York’s clean energy transition that will power the state forward for years to come.”
First Phase
Cider’s initial construction phase focuses on civil and mechanical activities such as steel piling and racking installation for solar modules. By mid-summer, construction will expand to include electrical wiring and the installation of high-voltage utility interconnection infrastructure. The utility-scale photovoltaic project spans approximately 2,500 acres and is expected to support hundreds of construction jobs throughout its development.
Since the project’s inception, Greenbacker has prioritized working with organized local labor in Genesee County, committing to meet—and exceed—state wage and hiring standards. The company also signed a Project Labor Agreement with a New York-based building and construction trade organization to ensure the site is staffed with experienced, skilled union workers.
“Our union is pleased to provide local, highly skilled labor supporting Cider’s construction,” said Carpenter’s Local 276 Business Manager Chris Austin. “While this is an important moment for New York’s green energy ambitions, it’s also a testament to the growing strength of our specialized workforce—drawn chiefly from labor unions like ours.”
Read also: T1 Selects Texas for $850M Solar Cell Manufacturing Facility
Blending Solar Power and Sustainable Agriculture
The construction of Greenbacker’s Cider Solar Farm project incorporates agrivoltaics—the combined use of land for solar power and agriculture. By hosting rotational sheep grazing on more than 300 acres. This cost-effective, nature-based approach to vegetation management may expand to additional acreage over the project’s lifetime.
Greenbacker became Cider’s long-term owner and operator after acquiring the project from Hecate Energy LLC, a leading U.S. renewable energy and storage developer. The company secured $950 million in aggregate financing to support Cider’s acquisition, construction, and operation. Making it Greenbacker’s largest clean energy project to date.
Also Read : 2 Solar Projects Totaling 450MW Coming to New York
The start of Cider’s construction also marks an important milestone in New York’s green energy transition. Projects like Cider have contributed to the creation of over 14,000 good-paying jobs statewide. During its first year alone, the solar farm is expected to offset roughly 680,000 metric tons of CO₂—equivalent to the annual emissions from more than 150,000 passenger vehicles, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Read also: 104MW Ostrea Solar Project in Washington
Construction begins on New York’s Largest Solar Farm, Cider Solar Farm: Project Factsheet
Project Overview:
New York’s largest solar farm, located in Genesee County
Construction began May 2025, completion expected late 2026
Developed by Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC
Acquired from Hecate Energy LLC
$950 million in financing secured
Technical Specifications:
2,500-acre facility
Will generate ~1 million MWh of renewable electricity annually
Capacity to power approximately 120,000 NY households
Expected to offset 680,000 metric tons of CO₂ in first year (equivalent to emissions from 150,000+ vehicles)
Cider Solar Farm: Economic Impact
Nearly $100 million projected local revenue through taxes and agreements
Hundreds of construction jobs created
Project Labor Agreement with NY building and construction trades
Commitment to local union labor exceeding state wage standards
Sustainability Features:
Agrivoltaic component with sheep grazing on 300+ acres
Supports NY state’s green energy transition goals
Contributing to 14,000+ clean energy jobs statewide
Read also: RWE Breaks Ground on 98 MWac Union Ridge Solar Farm in Licking County, Ohio
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