Greenbacker Secures $950M for Cider Solar Farm, New York’s Largest Solar Project

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.”

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.

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.

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