Solar at the Mid-State Correctional Facility. NYPA
Governor Kathy Hochul during Earth Week announced the deployment of more than 30 MW of solar energy at correctional facilities throughout upstate New York. The New York Power Authority designed and implemented solar energy systems at five New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision facilities comprised of more than 75,000 solar panels — enough to power 7,000 homes. The projects directly support the goals of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which calls for 70% of New York’s electricity to be sourced from renewable energy by 2030, including 6 GW of solar by 2025 on a path to 10 GW by decade’s end.
“Achieving New York’s ambitious climate and clean energy goals requires historic investments in renewable energy,” Governor Hochul said. “By installing more than 75,000 solar panels at DOCCS facilities, New York continues to lead by example, paving the way for a brighter, greener future for all.”
The five solar energy arrays — located at Wende, Mid-State, Greene, Eastern and Green Haven state correctional facilities —are expected to save more than $10 million in energy costs throughout the course of their lifetimes. The photovoltaic energy systems at Wende and Greene correctional facilities will generate 6.9 MW of distributed solar while the remaining sites will generate 4.9 MW.
“DOCCS is proud of its participation in helping fulfill the Governor’s vision of reducing carbon emissions with the installation of solar arrays on correctional facility property to offset our carbon footprint. As the Department continues with our mission is to improve public safety, it is critical that we are conscientious of the impact of that work, particularly in support of the State’s climate initiatives,” said Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci.
The solar projects also received more than $5.2 million from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority through NY-Sun, the state’s $3.3 billion initiative to advance the scale-up of solar while making solar energy more accessible to homes, businesses and communities.
