Eden Renewables constructing 8 new pollinator-friendly community solar projects

Developer of pollinator-friendly community solar farms, Eden Renewables has commenced construction on 8 new solar farms developed by the company throughout the Capital Region. The solar farms are located in the towns of Claverack, Glen, Schaghticoke and Schodack. Each project will have an installed capacity of 7.5 MW, generating enough clean solar energy to power the equivalent of approximately 1,225 homes. As community projects, each solar farm allows local subscribers to save 10% on their annual electricity bill credits.

They will add a cumulative 60 MW capacity to solar power in New York, which will play an important role in meeting state and national net zero targets and powering approximately 9,800 homes.  

In addition, with over 280 acres used cumulatively for ecological and biodiversity enhancement, the projects will benefit pollinators by providing a mix of native wildflowers, hedges, and grasses sown as ground cover. In total, each solar farm is about 35 acres and will be surrounded by over 35 million new pollinator-friendly flowers and grasses.   

“The last two years have been very challenging for everyone. We are excited that these solar farms have broken ground and will soon supply clean, low cost power to their host communities.” said Giovanni Maruca, Chief Development Officer. “Eden’s community solar farms are a great example of how land can be used for multiple purposes – generating clean power, providing wildlife habitats, pollinator services, and producing food with sheep grazing and beehives making honey. Soon there should be butterflies fluttering, birds singing and bees buzzing around newly planted photovoltaic panels, helping local people to save money on their energy bills .”

Eden is well known for its pioneering educational and community benefits. The Eden Education program is a scholarship program that offers scholarships to students studying Green STEAM subjects. As of now, the company has awarded $17,000 in scholarships to students at Argyle, Duanesburg, Fonda-Fultonville, Hoosic Valley, Hudson, and Maple Hill high schools.   

Giovanni Maruca added: “The Eden Education Program ensures that young people who will be most directly affected by the future impacts of climate change receive support, enabling them to be part of the solution. Through our Green STEAM Scholarship, Eden aims to increase the environmental workforce to meet the growing demand for green careers as the US transitions to a clean energy economy.”

The first solar farm broke ground on Wednesday, September 21, 2021. Construction of each project is expected to last six months.