Working Together for Clean Energy
July 8th, 2020
SUNY Fredonia, NYPA, Oriden, and Solar Liberty Team Up for Premier Solar Energy Project
1.4 Megawatt Solar Array and 500 Kilowatt Battery to Provide Financial Savings and Support Campus’ Environmental Sustainability
Construction Begins on Campus’s First Solar-Plus-Storage Project
State University of New York at Fredonia (SUNY Fredonia) announced that construction started on its first solar/battery project. This enables the Chautauqua County campus in Western New York to lead by example in reducing its carbon footprint with innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy technology. The New York Power Authority (NYPA), as the campus’ energy advisor, is overseeing the project. 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-plus-storage solution, from concept to design, installation, and financing.
Supporting the SUNY Clean Energy Roadmap
The project supports the SUNY Clean Energy Roadmap. This roadmap was announced last year by SUNY in partnership with New York State’s energy agencies. It will accelerate progress toward New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s goal to procure 70% of NY’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and to transition to a carbon-free power grid by 2040. Aligned with this roadmap for clean energy at the SUNY system’s 64 campuses, SUNY Fredonia partnered with NYPA. They will manage the project and incorporate clean renewable energy resources on its campus.
Project Details: Solar Array and Energy Storage
Oriden and Solar Liberty will provide a customized 1.4 megawatt ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array. It is integrated with a 500 kilowatt energy storage system. This ensures energy is available during peak electric demand and emergencies. The solar-plus-storage solution will provide about 1.7 gigawatt hours of energy. It will also offset an average 432,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
Leaders Highlight Sustainability and Savings
SUNY Fredonia
“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 SUNY Fredonia Interim President Dennis Hefner.
New York Power Authority
Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA’s president and CEO, said, “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. 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.”
Location and Power Purchase Agreement
The project will be located on the north edge of campus between the New York State Thruway and the Blue Devil softball field. It will be hosted by the campus. SUNY Fredonia will purchase all energy produced through a power purchase agreement.
Project Partners and Their Roles
Solar Liberty
Solar Liberty, one of the largest solar electric installers in NYS, will provide Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) services. They will also provide long-term maintenance. Oriden, a renewable energy developer, will support the development as well as provide project financing.
Nathan Rizzo, Solar Liberty’s vice president, stated, “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. 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.”
Oriden
“Oriden is pleased that NYPA and SUNY Fredonia recognized the high quality of our customized integrated solar photovoltaic and energy storage solution,” said Masahiro “Mas” Ogiso, Oriden’s president and chief executive officer. “Our solution is consistent with the quality that Oriden’s parent 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.”
