The Cider Solar Farm is a massive 500 MW utility-scale project in Genesee County which is set to become New York’s largest solar facility. The solar project will be capable of powering roughly 120,000 homes while integrating innovative agrivoltaics like sheep grazing. This landmark development is a cornerstone of the state’s transition to a renewable grid, but the intermittent nature of such large-scale solar power requires a robust storage infrastructure to maintain stability.

Bridging this gap, NineDot Energy recently secured a $431 million debt financing package led by Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking to construct a portfolio of 28 battery energy storage systems (BESS) across the New York City metro area. By leveraging this debt funding to build out community-scale storage, NineDot creates the necessary “shock absorbers” for the grid, allowing the clean energy generated by upstate giants like Cider Solar to be effectively balanced and utilized during peak demand in urban centers.

August 27, 2025

Amalgamated Bank has joined a nearly $1 billion aggregate financing round supporting the development of the Cider Solar Farm, a 674 MW project by Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company. This marks a major boost for what will become New York’s largest solar farm, powering over 120,000 homes once operational.

Greenbacker and Hecate Energy Partner to Drive Clean Power Expansion

The Cider Solar Farm was acquired by Greenbacker from long-time partner Hecate Energy, a leading U.S. renewable energy and energy storage developer with over 43.7 GWac in its project pipeline. Initially, the two companies partnered to bring the Cider project through development, financing, and construction launch.

Construction Timeline and Expected Operation

Construction on the Cider Solar Farm began in November 2024, with full commercial operation expected by late 2026. Once online, the project is expected to generate enough clean energy to power more than 120,000 homes each year—making a significant contribution to New York’s climate and energy goals. Furthermore, the upcoming overhauled Meyer Substation will help the state transmit energy from the solar plant.

Community Impact and Economic Benefits

Over its lifetime, the Cider Solar Farm is projected to inject approximately $100 million in tax revenue into the local community. These funds will support essential services, including:

• Local first responders
• Road infrastructure
• Libraries and schools

Project Location and Land Use

Located in the towns of Elba and East Oakfield, Genesee County, New York, the solar farm will span roughly 3,000 acres across non-contiguous sites. Despite its scale, the project will use less land than originally studied, minimizing its environmental footprint while maximizing energy production.