The largest municipal renewable energy deployment, a nine-project solar and storage portfolio by Distributed Solar Development (DSD) in Westchester County, New York has begun. Construction on the portfolio is expected to be completed by autumn of 2021 and will be the largest municipal renewable energy deployment in Westchester County, producing enough energy to power more than 700 homes annually, or equivalent to removing over 1,300 cars from the road. The New York Power Authority (NYPA), with its administrative offices in White Plains, is acting as an energy advisor on the project. The nine solar projects include a mix of the canopy, rooftop and ground-mount installations at four parking garages, the Ebersole Ice Rink, Gedney Way Recycling Facility, Gillie Park, Water Department, and the Sanitation Complex.
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“This project is a win – for our residents, the City, and the environment,” said White Plains Mayor Tom Roach. “DSD’s ability to own and maintain the system enables White Plains’ institutions and residents to save money on energy and contribute to positive environmental outcomes. Over the 20-year term, the City anticipates collecting more than US$20 million in rent from hosting these installations.”
The Department of Public Works, in conjunction with NYPA, prepared a Request for Proposals (RFP) for leasing municipal property for solar development at various city locations and solicited more than 100 qualified developers. Eight competitive proposals were received. After a thorough evaluation of the proposals and an interview process, the city chose Schenectady-based DSD and entered into a multi-year agreement to establish a Community Solar program in conjunction with Con Edison. The projects also will help realize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s goal of installing 6,000 megawatts of solar by 2025 as called for in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. As Westchester County’s largest municipal project, the White Plains portfolio of projects also will serve as an example for other communities that may be interested in actively pursuing clean energy initiatives that allow all resident households to receive a benefit.
