The State University of New York at Fredonia (SUNY) is starting construction on its first solar/battery project, enabling the Chautauqua County campus in Western New York to reducing its carbon footprint with energy efficiency and renewable energy technology.
“This project underscores Fredonia’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The solar array will provide significant long-term financial savings, while also supporting the institutional goal of environmental sustainability as outlined in Fredonia’s strategic plan,” said Dennis Hefner, SUNY Fredonia interim president.
Selected in a competitive bidding process, the state’s strategic partners Oriden, a Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems venture, and Solar Liberty are providing a turnkey installation for the solar + storage solution, from concept to design, installation and financing.
The project supports the SUNY Clean Energy Roadmap — announced last year by SUNY in partnership with New York State’s energy agencies — to accelerate progress toward New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s goal to procure 70% of New York’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and to transition to a carbon-free power grid by 2040. Aligned with this roadmap to move to clean energy at the SUNY’s 64 campuses, SUNY Fredonia has partnered with NYPA, which will manage the project, to incorporate clean renewable energy resources on its campus.
Oriden and Solar Liberty will construct a 1.4-MW ground-mounted photovoltaic solar array integrated with a 500-kW energy storage system to ensure energy is available during peak electric demand and emergencies. The solar + storage solution will provide about 1.7 GWh of energy.
“SUNY continues to be a leader in the smart use of clean, renewable resources and NYPA is proud that our expertise as a clean energy advisor is providing a pivotal example for other universities and organizations across the state,” said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO. “With this project, SUNY Fredonia made a commitment to more efficient energy use and environmental responsibility. We are also pleased that the Oriden and Solar Liberty team proposed an integrated customized solar and energy storage solution that will optimize the broader electric power grid.”
The project is located on the north edge of campus between the New York State Thruway and the Blue Devil softball field and will be hosted by the campus. SUNY Fredonia will purchase all energy produced by the array.
“SUNY Fredonia is leading by example to its staff, student body and broader community that clean renewable power generation and storage can be creatively incorporated at universities statewide,” said Nathan Rizzo, VP of Solar Liberty. “This project has great significance for me as a SUNY Fredonia alumnus. I am proud of the University’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.”
Solar Liberty will provide engineering, procurement and construction services and long-term maintenance. Oriden, a renewable energy developer, will support the development and provide project financing.
“Oriden is pleased that NYPA and SUNY Fredonia recognized the high quality of our customized integrated solar photovoltaic and energy storage solution,” said Masahiro Ogiso, president and CEO of Oriden. “Our solution is consistent with the quality that Oriden’s parent [company] Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems is known for. This project is also a positive recognition of our local strategic partnership with Solar Liberty. We look forward to many more projects like this to provide Solutions for a Change in Power.”
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