New York Solar Project Comes Online

The Moriah Community Solar Project is a key contributor to New York's ambitious clean energy goals, which mandate that 70% of the state's electricity come from renewable sources by 2030. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to transition to a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The project was co-developed by New Energy Equity and East Side Solar Holdings, with Radiance Solar serving as the engineering and construction partner. The facility is located on land leased from a local family, providing them with a new, long-term income stream. The Adirondack Park Agency approved the 5-megawatt solar farm in May 2021, situated between Tarbell Hill and Dugway roads. This community solar model allows National Grid customers to subscribe and receive credits on their electricity bills, potentially lowering their energy costs without installing their own solar panels. This approach makes renewable energy more accessible to a wider range of residents, including renters and those without suitable rooftops for solar installations. Beyond providing clean energy, community solar projects like the one in Moriah stimulate local economies. They create jobs in construction, operation, and maintenance and can increase the local tax base through Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements, which provide revenue for schools and public services. The growth of solar projects in the Adirondack Park has not been without discussion, with some expressing concerns about the visual impact and loss of farmland or forests. However, many communities are developing comprehensive plans and guidelines to integrate solar development in a way that aligns with the region's character.