U.S. Light Energy 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. Last week, the company announced it completed another community solar project on the other side of the state.

The 7.2-MW ground-mount project is being developed by U.S. Light Energy. Standard Solar will own and operate the community solar project.

“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 for the 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.”

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 operation in December 2019.

News item from U.S. Light Energy