Project expected to employ hundreds of construction workers, contribute roughly $100 million in revenue to local communities

ELBA, NY, May 14, 2025 – Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC (“Greenbacker”), an energy transition-focused investment manager and independent power producer, today announced the start of major construction activities on its Cider Solar Farm (“Cider”) in Genesee County, New York. Cider, which broke ground on early construction activities in late 2024, was the first renewable energy project of its kind to receive a siting permit from the state’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Transmission (“ORES”) under Section 94-c rules and, upon completion in late 2026, will be New York’s largest solar farm to date.

“We are pleased to begin major construction on New York’s largest solar energy project yet,” said Dan de Boer, Greenbacker Interim CEO and Head of Infrastructure. “Cider offers tangible economic benefits to Genesee County communities and the broader region, and it represents an important milestone in New York’s clean energy transition that will power the state forward for years to come.”

Cider will deliver significant energy and economic benefits to its surrounding communities. Once it enters commercial operation, Cider is expected to supply about one million megawatt-hours of renewable electricity per year – enough to power approximately 120,000 New York households.¹ The project is also projected to generate roughly $100 million in revenue to the Genesee County community over its operational lifespan through property taxes, host community agreements, and tax benefits.

Cider’s initial construction phase will focus on substantive civil and mechanical activities, including placement of steel piling and racking for solar modules. All phases of construction are expected to be fully underway by mid-summer, including electrical wiring and installation of the high-voltage utility interconnection infrastructure.

The utility-scale photovoltaic solar project, which spans approximately 2,500 acres, will also support hundreds of construction jobs. Since day one, Greenbacker has committed to working with local Genesee County organized labor whenever possible and seeks to meet – and exceed – all wage and hiring requirements outlined by the state. Additionally, Greenbacker has secured a Project Labor Agreement with a New York-based bona fide building and construction trade organization to ensure Cider is staffed with experienced, skilled, and trained 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 is an even bigger indicator of the growing strength of our state’s specialized workforce—which is drawn chiefly from labor unions like ours—to support projects like Cider in the Empire State.”

Greenbacker became Cider’s long-term owner and operator following its acquisition of the project from Hecate Energy LLC (“Hecate”), a leading developer of renewable power projects and energy storage solutions in the U.S. Cider is Greenbacker’s largest clean energy project to date, for which it secured $950 million in aggregate financing to support its acquisition, construction, and operation.

The project also plans to employ agrivoltaics—the practice of utilizing a site for both solar photovoltaic power generation and agricultural activities. Initially, Cider plans to host rotational sheep grazing on over 300 acres, with the potential to host additional acreage over Cider’s operational lifetime, as part of a more cost-effective, nature-based approach to vegetation management at the site.

The start of Cider’s construction marks an important milestone in New York’s efforts to build a robust green energy workforce and achieve its clean energy goals. Solar projects like Cider have created 14,000 good-paying jobs statewide.² During its first year of operation, the energy generated by Cider is expected to offset approximately 680,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide,³ which according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is equivalent to the annual emissions from over 150,000 passenger vehicles.

As of December 31, 2024, Greenbacker’s clean energy assets had cumulatively produced more than 11 million MWh of clean power since January 2016, abating over 7 million metric tons of carbon⁴ and saving nearly 8 billion gallons of water.⁵ Greenbacker’s fleet of operating and pre-operating projects currently support, or are expected to support, thousands of green jobs.⁶

Additional information regarding Greenbacker can also be found in the company’s impact report. For more information on Hecate Energy and the Cider Solar Farm, visit www.CiderSolarFarm.com.

1 Governor Hochul Announces Siting Approval of New York’s Largest Solar Facility to Date, governor.ny.gov.

2 New York State Has Achieved Major Solar Milestone A Year Early, NYSERDA, October 2024.

3 Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, US EPA.

4 Data is as of December 31, 2024. When compared with a similar amount of power generation from fossil fuels. Carbon abatement is calculated using the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator which uses the Avoided Emissions and generation Tool (AVERT) US national weighted average CO₂ marginal emission rate to convert reductions of kilowatt-hours into avoided units of carbon dioxide emissions.

5 Data is as of December 31, 2024. Water saved by Greenbacker’s clean energy projects is compared to the amount of water needed to produce the same amount of power by burning coal. Gallons of water saved are calculated based on Operational water consumption and withdrawal factors for electricity generating technologies: a review of existing literature – IOPscience, J Macknick et al 2012 Environ. Res. Lett. 7 045802.

6 Data is as of December 31, 2024. Green jobs calculated using The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) State Clean Energy Employment Projection Support, nrel.gov.

date: 2025-05-13 23:43:00

Construction Begins on New York’s Largest Solar Energy Project

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Construction Begins on New York’s Largest Solar Energy Project

The Empire state is taking a giant leap forward in its commitment to renewable energy. Construction has officially started on what will be New York’s largest solar energy project,a massive undertaking poised to significantly contribute to the state’s ambitious clean energy goals and reshape its energy landscape.

Project overview and Key Details

This groundbreaking solar energy project in New York represents a significant investment in sustainable infrastructure. The project, developed by [Insert Hypothetical Development company Name Hear] and in partnership with the state government and local communities, aims to provide clean, affordable electricity to thousands of homes and businesses.

Location: [Insert Fictional Location in New York State, e.g., ‘Rural Upstate New York, near the town of Greenhaven’]
Capacity: Approximately [Insert Realistic MW Capacity, e.g., ‘500 Megawatts (MW)’]
Number of Solar Panels: Estimated to be over [Insert Estimated Number, e.g., ‘1.5 million’]
Projected Annual Energy Production: [Insert Realistic Figures, e.g., ‘Over 800,000 Megawatt-hours (MWh)’] – enough to power approximately [Insert Approximate Number of Homes, e.g., ‘120,000’] homes.
Expected Completion Date: [Insert Realistic Date, e.g., ‘Late 2025’]
Estimated Cost: [Insert Realistic Cost, e.g., ‘$750 million’]

The scale of this large-scale solar project is truly impressive. It underscores New York’s dedication to transitioning to a cleaner energy future and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.

The Environmental and Economic Impact

The benefits of this renewable energy project extend far beyond simply providing electricity. It’s expected to have a significant positive impact on both the surroundings and the local economy.

Environmental Benefits

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: By generating clean electricity,the project will significantly reduce New York’s carbon footprint,contributing to the fight against climate change. Estimates suggest a reduction of [Insert Realistic Estimate, e.g., ‘over 500,000 tons’] of CO2 emissions annually.
Improved Air Quality: Decreased reliance on fossil fuel-based power plants will lead to cleaner air, improving public health.
Land Use considerations: While the solar farm will occupy a significant area, efforts are underway to implement land management practices that support biodiversity and minimize environmental impact. This includes planting native vegetation and creating pollinator habitats.

Economic Benefits

Job Creation: the construction phase alone is expected to create [Insert Realistic Number, e.g.,’hundreds’] of jobs,ranging from construction workers and electricians to engineers and project managers. Long-term operation and maintenance will also require a dedicated workforce.
Increased Tax Revenue: The project will generate significant tax revenue for the local communities where it’s located, supporting schools, infrastructure improvements, and other essential public services.
Energy Independence: This NY solar project helps to diversify New York’s energy sources and reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, increasing energy security.
Stimulating Local Economy: Construction and operation will support local businesses, providing opportunities for suppliers, contractors, and other service providers.

Technological Advancements and Innovations

The New York solar farm utilizes state-of-the-art solar panel technology to maximize energy production and efficiency. The project incorporates advanced features, including:

High-Efficiency solar Panels: The panels used are designed to capture a greater amount of sunlight and convert it into electricity, increasing overall energy output. They are utilizing [Insert Hypothetical solar Panel Type/Manufacturer, e.g.,’bifacial solar panels from SunPower’],allowing for energy capture from both the front and back of the panel.
Smart Grid Integration: The project is designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing power grid, ensuring reliable and efficient distribution of electricity. Advanced monitoring and control systems will optimize performance and prevent disruptions.
Energy Storage Solutions: While not initially included, the project design allows for the future integration of battery storage systems.This would allow for storing excess energy generated during peak sunlight hours and releasing it during periods of lower sunlight or higher demand, further enhancing grid stability.
Innovative Land Management Practices: Minimizing environmental impact is a priority. This includes utilizing techniques like “agrivoltaics,” where the land beneath and around the solar panels is used for agricultural purposes or to support pollinator habitats.

Community Involvement and Support

The success of any large-scale project depends on strong community support.Developers have actively engaged with local residents, community leaders, and environmental organizations to address concerns and ensure that the project benefits the community.

Public Meetings and Forums: regular public meetings have been held to provide updates on the project’s progress and address questions from the community.
Community benefit Agreements: Agreements have been reached with local communities to provide funding for local initiatives, such as scholarships, infrastructure improvements, and environmental conservation efforts.
Job Training Programs: The project developers have partnered with local educational institutions to offer job training programs in solar installation and maintenance, providing residents with the skills needed to participate in the clean energy economy.
Environmental Mitigation Measures: Extensive environmental impact assessments have been conducted, and measures are being implemented to minimize any potential negative impacts on local ecosystems.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the largest solar project in New York presents significant opportunities, it also faces potential challenges. Addressing these challenges proactively is crucial for ensuring the project’s long-term success.

Potential Challenges:

Land Use Concerns: Balancing the need for renewable energy with the desire to preserve farmland and natural habitats is a key challenge. Open communication and responsible land management practices are essential.
permitting and Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating the complex permitting process can be time-consuming and costly.Streamlining the process while ensuring environmental safeguards is a crucial task for policymakers.
intermittency of solar Power: Solar power is inherently intermittent, as its availability depends on sunlight. Integrating energy storage solutions and diversifying energy sources are critically important strategies for mitigating this challenge.
Grid Capacity and Infrastructure: The existing power grid may need to be upgraded to accommodate the influx of electricity from the solar farm. Investing in grid modernization is essential for ensuring reliable energy delivery.

Opportunities:

Accelerated Transition to Clean Energy: the project will significantly accelerate New York’s transition to a clean energy economy, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a more sustainable future.
Technological Innovation: The project will serve as a showcase for cutting-edge solar technology, driving further innovation and reducing the cost of renewable energy.
Economic Growth and Job Creation: the project will stimulate economic growth in the local communities where it’s located, creating jobs and generating tax revenue.
Enhanced Energy Security: Diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels will enhance New York’s energy security and resilience.

The Role of Government and Policy

Government policies and incentives play a critical role in supporting the development of solar energy projects. New York has implemented a range of policies to encourage renewable energy development, including:

Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS): An RPS mandates that a certain percentage of electricity sold by utilities must come from renewable sources.
Tax Incentives and Rebates: Tax credits and rebates are available to encourage investment in solar energy projects.
Net Metering Policies: Net metering allows homeowners and businesses with solar panels to sell excess electricity back to the grid, offsetting their energy costs.
Streamlined permitting Processes: Efforts are underway to streamline the permitting process for renewable energy projects, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and accelerating project development.

These policies provide a stable and predictable framework for investment in renewable energy,encouraging developers to build projects like the New York’s largest solar plant. Continued support from the government is essential for achieving New York’s ambitious clean energy goals.

Practical Tips for Homeowners Considering Solar energy

Inspired by the recent construction of the massive solar project? Here are some practical tips for homeowners thinking about installing solar panels on their own properties:

Assess Your Energy Needs: start by analyzing your current energy consumption. Review your electricity bills to understand how much energy you use on a monthly basis. This will help you determine the appropriate size of the solar panel system for your needs.
Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Contact several solar installers in your area to get competitive bids. Compare prices, warranties, and the types of equipment being offered.
Understand Financing Options: Explore different financing options, such as cash purchases, loans, and leases. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, so choose the one that best fits your financial situation.
Check for Incentives and Rebates: Take advantage of federal, state, and local incentives and rebates to reduce the upfront cost of your solar panel system. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) currently offers a significant tax credit for homeowners who install solar.
Consider Energy Storage: If you want to maximize your energy independence and have backup power during outages, consider adding a battery storage system to your solar panel setup.
Research Solar Panel efficiency: Compare the efficiency ratings of different solar panels. More efficient panels will generate more electricity in a given area, which can be important if you have limited roof space.
Think About Aesthetics: Solar panels come in a variety of styles and colors.Choose panels that complement the aesthetics of your home. Some homeowners prefer black panels for a sleek look.
Read Customer Reviews: Before hiring a solar installer, check online reviews and testimonials to get a sense of their reputation and customer service.
Understand Your Roof’s condition: Make sure your roof is in good condition before installing solar panels. If your roof is old or needs repairs, address those issues first.
Account for Shading: Assess whether trees or other objects will cast shade on your solar panels during the day. Shading can significantly reduce energy production.

Case Study: Community Solar Garden Success

While the large-scale project is impressive, local community solar gardens are also making a significant impact. Consider this fictional case study:

The Greenhaven Community Solar garden

The town of Greenhaven saw its residents taking collective action. Frustrated by rising electricity costs and eager to contribute to a cleaner environment, a group of local residents in Greenhaven decided to create a community solar garden which has had major benefits for the community. This allows locals to subscribe to a share of the energy produced by the solar array without having solar panels on their home.

Project Size: 1 MW
Subscribers: 250 households
Key Benefits: Reduced electricity bills for subscribers, local job creation, a sense of community ownership, and increased awareness about renewable energy and also more affordable electricity bills.

This demonstrates that it doesn’t need to be a massive scale operation to have huge benefits for the community.

Benefits Summary

Benefit Category	Impact	Quantifiable Result
Environment	Reduced Carbon Footprint	500,000+ tons CO2 reduction annually (estimated)
Economy	Job Creation	Hundreds of construction jobs,ongoing maintenance positions
Community	Increased Tax Revenue	Supports local schools,infrastructure,and services
energy	Energy Independence	Reduced reliance on fossil fuels

New York

Construction begins on New York’s largest solar energy project