8 pollinator-friendly community solar projects now in construction in New York

Eden Renewables has started construction on eight new community solar farms developed by the company throughout the Capital Region of New York.

The solar farms are located in the towns of Claverack, Glen, Schaghticoke and Schodack. Each project will have an installed capacity of 7.5 MW. Cumulatively, they will add 60 MW capacity to solar in New York.

The projects will also benefit pollinators with a mixture of native wildflowers, hedges and grasses sown as ground cover at every site — with over 280 acres used cumulatively for ecological and biodiversity enhancements. With each solar farm about 35 acres in total, more than 35 million new pollinator-friendly flowering plants and native grasses will be thriving under and around the panels.

“The last two years have been very challenging for everyone. We are excited that these solar farms have broken ground and will soon supply clean, low cost power to their host communities,” said Giovanni Maruca, Eden’s Chief Development Officer. “Eden’s community solar farms are a great example of how land can be used for multiple purposes — generating clean power, providing wildlife habitats, pollinator services, and producing food with sheep grazing and beehives making honey. Soon there should be butterflies fluttering, birds singing and bees buzzing around newly planted photovoltaic panels, helping local people to save money on their energy bills.”

Eden is known for pioneering educational and community benefits. Through the Eden Education program, students planning to study Green STEAM subjects can apply for scholarships to help fund their studies. So far the company has awarded $17,000 in scholarships to students in Argyle, Duanesburg, Fonda-Fultonville, Hoosic Valley, Hudson, and Maple Hill High Schools in New york

Maruca added: “The Eden Education Program ensures that young people who will be most directly affected by the future impacts of climate change receive support, enabling them to be part of the solution. Through our Green STEAM Scholarship, Eden aims to increase the environmental workforce to meet the growing demand for green careers as the US transitions to a clean energy economy.”

News item from Eden Renewables

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2022/01/8-pollinator-friendly-community-solar-projects-now-in-construction-in-new-york/