Written by Wu Mingzhe

New York State proudly announces the successful completion of its largest rooftop solar project, situated in Orange County. Spearheaded by Medline Industries, the nation’s leading privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical products, the innovative 7.2-megawatt (MW) community solar endeavor is set to reduce energy costs for both Medline Industries and residents in the Mid-Hudson region. This significant milestone underscores New York’s unwavering commitment to renewable energy and further propels the state towards its goal of a zero-emission electricity grid.

Comprising over 17,000 solar panels, the community solar project generates a noteworthy 8.5 million kWh of clean power annually. This impressive output is enough to meet the energy needs of over 1,600 homes, providing a positive environmental impact in the region. Additionally, this milestone brings New York closer to achieving its ambitious target of installing 6 gigawatts (GW) of distributed solar by 2025, while simultaneously accelerating progress towards the 10 GW target set for 2030.

With an overall investment of over $8 million, the project received a substantial private investment of approximately $5 million from PowerFlex, a national leader in solar, storage, and electric vehicle charging solutions for commercial clients. The ownership of the solar project has now been transferred to Medline Industries, further solidifying their dedication toward sustainability. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) played a crucial role by providing more than $3 million in project support through NY-Sun, a state initiative focused on scaling up solar energy and making it accessible to homes, businesses, and communities.

Hope Knight, CEO and president of Empire State Development, recognizes sustainable power sources as pivotal elements in fostering environmentally conscious economic development. This community-centered project exemplifies the impressive results attained by synergistic partnerships between private entities and community stakeholders. New York State is a front-runner in clean energy adoption, showcasing the transformative power that such collaborations bring to fruition.

Medline’s distribution center, which commenced operations in August 2022, employs a workforce of over 700 individuals. This facility will utilize 40% of the clean energy generated by the rooftop solar project, with the remaining 60% being made available to approximately 600 residents. These residents can subscribe to the system and enjoy credits on their electricity bills, resulting in an estimated 10% monthly savings. Furthermore, given Medline Industries’ commitment to retaining 344 jobs and creating 266 new positions, Empire State Development awarded them up to $10 million in Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits.

New York State currently hosts over 4,600 MW of distributed solar power, with an additional 3,500 MW in late-stage development. In 2022, New York emerged as the top community solar market in the United States, supplying almost half of the nation’s community solar capacity. This latest achievement strengthens New York’s status as a visionary leader in renewable energy adoption and underscores its commitment to a sustainable future.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this research report is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial or investment advice. The energy market is highly volatile, and readers should conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.