New Energy Equity, a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLETE Inc., announced that its Moriah Community Solar project has commenced operations.
The 7-megawatt (MW) facility, located in Moriah, New York, is expected to produce over 8.3 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy each year—enough to power more than 1,200 New York homes.
The project underscores New Energy Equity’s commitment to building solar projects that benefit local landowners and communities; the company is leasing the land directly from a local resident.
The Moriah project will send energy to the local grid, helping to meet increased power demand in New York state. Additionally, National Grid customers will be able to enroll in community solar and receive utility bill credits for their share of the electricity generated by Moriah and other community solar projects.
“Moriah Community Solar reflects our mission of building solar projects that generate reliable energy and lasting economic value,” said Josh Kunkel, President & CEO of New Energy Equity, in a statement. “The benefits don’t stop with the landowners we work with. Communities also get the benefits of increased revenue for schools, public safety, services, and increased electricity supply that can be used locally.”
New Energy Equity co-developed the project with East Side Solar Holdings. It also partnered with Radiance Solar, an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) service provider, to bring the Moriah project online.
The site is the latest in New Energy Equity’s portfolio to reach operations. The company has over 600 megawatts (MW) of solar projects developed across 16 states.
Mark Coles, Managing Director of East Side Solar Holdings, added, “New Energy Equity has been an exceptional partner and steward of the project, successfully delivering construction and bringing it to commercial operation. We look forward to working together again as we expand our community solar development pipeline across New York and beyond.”
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