Limberlost Solar | Project Benefits

Project BenEfits

Environmental Benefits

Progressing New York’s Renewable Energy Goals

There are many benefits of solar energy to the environment. Solar is a clean, renewable source of energy that can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and lower our carbon footprint. RIC Limberlost Solar supports New York’s goal of generating 70% of the state’s energy by renewable sources by 2030. It will contribute to climate change mitigation by providing utilities clean energy for distribution and consequently reducing the need for other fossil fuel technology operation to meet energy demands. Unlike traditional fossil fuels such as coal and oil, solar energy does not contribute to air pollution or water pollution. Burning fossil fuels for energy releases particulates, mercury, arsenic, chromium, sulfur dioxide gas, and other compounds that can be harmful to human health.

The Projects FAQs

Efficient

According to the EPA, over its projected lifetime, one megawatt of solar power will offset approximately 157,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equivalent to planting over 3,705,500 trees or removing approximately 27,900 cars from the road for an entire year.

Quiet

In addition, solar facilities are very quiet, and the panels are low to the ground and do not pose a danger to birds, bats, or other wildlife. Community solar projects provide residents with access to renewable energy and the opportunity for lower energy bills while reducing stress on the grid and demand for fossil fuel power.

Responsible

Solar power is responsible power. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can generate power anywhere the sun shines. This video from the U.S. Department of Energy shows how a PV panel converts the energy of the sun into renewable electricity to power homes and businesses.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Revenues, Consumer Savings, and Jobs

Tax Revenue

The RIC Limberlost Solar Projects will provide a tangible economic benefit in the form of tax revenue to the local community. The Projects will pay taxes to taxing jurisdictions in accordance with the New York State standard appraisal methodology for solar and wind energy systems. This tax revenue is significantly greater than the taxes that are generated by the existing agricultural use and will support local and county services, education, and infrastructure while creating very minimal demand for town or county services and no demand for services from the School District.

Cost Savings for Community Solar Subscribers

The RIC Limberlost Solar Projects will also allow residents to enroll in the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) community solar program and save money every month on their electric bills. Residents can subscribe to the community solar project and receive credits on their electric bill for the clean energy produced. Everyone, including renters and co-op/condo owners, can save money by accessing the clean energy produced by the RIC Limberlost Solar Projects. Community Solar customers both offset their electricity consumption using locally produced clean energy and also benefit from the offered discounts on the community solar credits that lower their monthly electric bill.

Job Creation

The RIC Limberlost Solar Projects will open opportunities for construction jobs, as well as for long-term employment or services throughout the operation and maintenance phase, leading to more job creation for the community.

About Community Solar

This video from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority shows how the community solar program works.

Electrical Grid Benefits

Clean Contributions to Community Power

The RIC Limberlost Solar Projects, as well as other similar solar projects that are interconnecting to existing electric distribution lines, have significant positive impacts on the electrical grid. Depending on their point of interconnection, these projects are fronting the cost to upgrade power lines, substations, and protective equipment, and provide modernization that would otherwise be included in the Utility’s 5-year Capital Investment Plans, whereby the cost is covered by the ratepayers.

As a “Distributed Generation” solar project, the energy from RIC Limberlost Solar will be injected into the grid close to the consumers rather than being transported for long distances through transmission lines. As a result, significant transmission costs are saved which positively impacts all local customers, not only those who participate in the community solar program.