NextEra Energy Resources has started construction of two distributed generation solar projects in Oneida County, New York.
The projects, located on two parcels in Whitestown will have the capacity to produce 5.2 megawatts of solar power. The two ground-mounted fixed-array systems will feature a combined total of 17,086 solar modules from Suntech Power and Canadian Solar.
Oneida County will purchase the electricity generated over the term of a 25-year power purchase agreement with the NextEra Energy Resources subsidiary, and the subsidiary will own, operate and maintain the systems for the life of the contract. The projects are expected to reach commercial operation by October 2015.
“The state of New York has made a commitment to a cleaner energy future, and we’re happy to play a role in helping them to achieve this vision,” said Matt Handel, vice president of development for NextEra Energy Resources. “Now we’re entering the most exciting phase of a solar project, watching the system come to life and begin generating clean, reliable power for the local community.”
The projects are utilizing funding incentives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Competitive PV program, which are intended to dramatically increase solar capacity and move the state of New York closer to its vision of a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry.