GreenSpark kicks off construction on 3.6 MW agrivoltaic site in N.Y.
GreenSpark Solar is serving as the EPC for a 3.6 MW agrivoltaic solar array that has just begun construction in Constable, New York. The Constable Solar project is the first in the state of New York for Burlington, Vermont-based solar and energy storage developer Encore Renewable Energy.
Constable Solar is part of nearly 90 MW of solar and energy storage that Encore currently has under development in the Empire state.
“With New York’s ambitious clean energy goals and an evolving energy supply market that is finding renewables to be an increasingly more cost-effective form of energy production, the demand for solar has never been higher,” said Chad Farrell, founder and co-CEO of Encore Renewable Energy. “Utilities are the tip of the spear when it comes to broader clean energy adoption, and delivering projects like this in partnership with NYSEG is critical for meeting increased energy demand at affordable costs for ratepayers.”
Under New York’s NY-Sun Initiative and VDER program, NYSEG will compensate Encore for the electricity produced from the new array and deliver affordable, reliable, carbon-free energy to their customers.
“NYSEG is proud to do our part to support New York State’s clean energy goals,” said Tim Lynch, senior director of electric transmission services for NYSEG. “By working with organizations like Encore Renewable Energy, NYSEG is empowering local communities. These collaborations are essential in creating a resilient grid that can meet the demands of the present while securing a greener tomorrow.”
A partnership is already in place with J&R Pierce Family Farm, located in West Chazy, New York, to provide sheep to rotationally graze the site to meet the vegetation management standards required for solar production. This agrivoltaic solution avoids the need for noisy, fossil fuel-powered mowers while improving the soil quality and boosting pollinator health.
“We’re looking forward to partnering with Encore on this agri-energy project,” said Rebekah Pierce of J&R Pierce Family Farm. “As a small family farm, these partnerships with local solar companies are vital for supporting our business and keeping land in agricultural production.”
Pierce added: “We’re helping harvest the sun but also supporting the viability of our local food systems by producing a local, healthy, and affordable source of meat for our community.”
The project site, formerly used for hay production, is owned by siblings Michelle, Danielle & Steve Sirois, 29 year owners in Constable. “This project provides an exciting opportunity to preserve our father’s land by putting it to good use by supporting clean energy in the community,” said the Sirois siblings.
GreenSpark Solar has begun construction, with survey and civil activities underway.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Encore as a new portfolio partner and to kick off our first collaboration in Vermont, alongside another project in our home state of New York,” said Scott Abbett, co-owner of GreenSpark Solar and executive director of commercial operations and electrical self-performancer. “Our values-aligned partnership is highlighted through both teams’ designations as Certified B Corporations and member-owners within the nationwide Amicus Solar Cooperative. Working with Encore’s team of development experts makes it easy for GreenSpark to focus on building high-quality solar solutions for our shared projects.”
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