DENMARK, NY – October 29, 2019 – U.S. Light Energy, a leading New York solar energy company specializing in the development of solar electric and community solar systems, executives along with local, state and federal representatives and project partners held a groundbreaking event in Denmark, New York to officially launch construction of the Denmark Community Solar Project – Lewis County’s first community solar initiative.
The 7.2 megawatt ground-mount project is being developed by U.S. Light Energy. Standard Solar, a leading solar energy company specializing in the development and financing of solar electric systems nationwide, will own and operate the community solar project.
The array is expected to produce more than 8.9 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy annually – enough electricity to offset the CO2 emissions from 1,105 homes' electricity use for one year and charging 808,017,523 smartphones.
“We’re delighted to begin construction of this community solar project that will bring clean, renewable energy to Denmark residents, farms, and businesses,” said Mark Richardson, President and CEO of U.S. Light Energy. “This project could only have happened with the support of the local community, state and federal policymakers and our partners in energy delivery and advocacy.”
The project is part of New York State’s Community Solar Program which allows the electricity generated by the Denmark Community Solar Project to be supplied to customers anywhere in National Grid’s existing distribution system. By subscribing to the program, customers can benefit from solar energy without the need for their own solar panels.
“The Town of Denmark is proud to be a forerunner in community solar projects by hosting one of the first within Lewis County,” said James Der, Supervisor, Town of Denmark. “We are pleased that a project like this will be able to bring clean energy to not only our local residents but also other users in the National Grid distribution area. We are hopeful that this may lead to future projects.”
“Lewis County Economic Development is excited to assist U.S. Light Energy with the project in Denmark and we look forward to future projects proposed by the company,” said Joe Lawrence, Lewis County Economic Development/IDA Board Chairperson. “Private investment in energy development is an important piece of our economic growth strategy in Lewis County.”
“Today is an exciting day for the Town of Denmark and the continued advancement of community solar in New York,” said Scott Wiater, President and CEO of Standard Solar, “Our funding and ownership of this project is consistent with our resolve to bring affordable, clean energy to communities throughout the state and country.”
Participants in the groundbreaking ceremony included, Mr. Richardson; Mr. Lawrence; Larry Dolhof, Board of Legislators Chairperson; Mr. Der and Daryl Pilon, Standard Solar.
This project is one of several in U.S. Light Energy’s portfolio that received funding from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s NY-Sun initiative, which is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
The project is expected to begin operations in December 2019.
About U.S. Light Energy
U.S. Light Energy is a Latham, New York-based distributed generation energy development company specializing in solar and renewable energy solutions, including community solar, for residential communities and commercial customers. We work on behalf of all interested parties: land and business owners, local authorities (AHJs), engineering firms, product vendors, contractors, and financiers to create distributed energy projects where everyone can participate in creating a better future for our children and our planet. For more information, visit www.USLightEnergy.com.
About Standard Solar
Standard Solar, Inc. is a leading solar energy company specializing in the development and financing of solar electric systems nationwide. Dedicated to making Distributed Generation (DG) solar more accessible to businesses, institutions, governments and utilities, the company is forging the path for clean, renewable energy development through turnkey solutions. With more than 100 megawatts installed, financed and maintained, Standard Solar is one of the most trusted and respected solar companies in the US. Owned by Énergir, a leading energy provider with more than $5.8 billion US in assets, Standard Solar operates nationally and is headquartered in Rockville, Md. For more information, please visit www.standardsolar.com.
Media contact:
Leah Wilkinson
Wilkinson + Associates
703.907.0010