Seneca County Commissions Municipal Solar Project with Spear Point Energy
Romulus, NY (PRWEB) December 03, 2013 -- This week, leading solar project developer and financier Spear Point Energy will flip the switch on a municipal solar project for the Seneca County Law Enforcement Center in Romulus, N.Y. The project will save the County over $1,000,000 on its electric bill through a 25-year power purchase agreement with Spear Point.
"This project will help the Law Enforcement Center meet the increasing demand for clean, green energy that is produced right here in our own backyard. I applaud the efforts and vision of our local officials for using solar power to reduce their energy costs," said Assembly Republican Leader Brian M. Kolb.
The municipal 845 kilowatt (kW) ground-mounted solar array is located on the grounds of the Seneca County Law Enforcement Center which houses the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office and the Division of Corrections. The project will provide a significant percentage of the facility’s power annually and will be clearly visible to tourists on Route 96 heading to and from Waterloo.
"Seneca County will benefit tremendously from going solar. By using solar power, we are not dependent on other sources to produce electricity. We can also reduce our County taxpayer burden and fund important programs like the Childcare Assistance and Veteran’s Service program," said County Sheriff Jack Stenberg. "We’re located in the middle of the Finger Lakes and surrounded by 40 wineries so solar aligns with our values and commitment to staying green."
The Seneca solar project was selected and funded through the NY-Sun Competitive Photovoltaic Program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). NY-Sun is an initiative launched by Governor Andrew Cuomo to spur significant growth in the solar industry in the state. The project took only six months to complete from initial permitting, design, engineering, to final construction.
"The Seneca County solar project highlights the opportunity for municipalities under Governor Cuomo's NY-Sun initiative to reduce their energy costs while demonstrating their commitment to protecting the environment," said John B. Rhodes, President and CEO of NYSERDA. "At the same time, this project expands New York State's clean energy economy and increases the availability of clean, renewable energy, making it a model that we hope other municipalities will follow."
The Seneca County project was selected through a competitive bid process based on its financial attractiveness and technical soundness. "We’re very pleased to complete this project on-budget and in such a short period of time. The Spear Point Energy team has developed projects across the country and are experts at navigating the various hurdles that face municipal solar projects. Seneca County did an excellent job of working with our team to assist in the coordination of various permits to comply with environmental, design, engineering, construction, financing and interconnection codes and requirements," said Michael Johnson, Spear Point Energy President and Seneca County native.
"This important project will dramatically cut energy costs for Seneca County and help to reduce the burden on our local, hardworking taxpayers," said New York State Senator Mike Nozzolio. "It is vital that we reduce our dependence on foreign oil and support sustainable forms of energy that can be produced right here in our local community. "As State Senator, I have been a strong supporter of numerous job-creating solar energy projects and I will continue my aggressive efforts to support new initiatives that help to reduce the burden on our taxpayers and create well paying jobs."
Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, the project symbolizes Seneca County's commitment to a clean and healthy environment. There will be an official ribbon-cutting event at the Seneca County Law Enforcement Center on Friday, December 13, 2013, at 11 a.m. ET.
Economic Contributions:
$1,000,000 in estimated total energy savings to Seneca County
$225,000 over 25 years to the local economy in operations and maintenance expenditures
$40,000 in taxes paid to Seneca County
15 full-time equivalent jobs supported during construction
Carbon Dioxide Equivalents:
Electricity for 103 homes annually
Protecting 616 acres of forest
Removal of 157 cars off the road
10 tanker trucks (84,000 gallons of gasoline)
About Spear Point Energy
Spear Point Energy is an independent power producer and solar project developer for commercial and industrial customers, municipalities and utilities throughout the U.S. Spear Point sells renewable electricity at competitive rates to customers through Power Purchase Agreements. The company finances, develops, builds, owns and operates solar power systems ranging from 100 kilowatts to 20 megawatts in size. Spear Point Energy is online at http://www.spearpointenergy.com.
For more information, contact:
Liz Oh
415-346-9091
liz(at)solarmarketinggroup(dot)com
Liz Oh, Solar Marketing Group, +1 4153469091, [email protected]
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