SUNY New Paltz received the 2016 Innovative Energy Project of the Year award at the New York Power Authority (NYPA) Innovators Summit. The prize recognizes the planning and pending installation of a hybrid solar-battery energy storage system at Elting Gymnasium, which will enable the gym to operate as a microgrid and emergency evacuation shelter in the event of a loss of power.

The project, financed by the NYPA and supported by grants from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and Central Hudson Gas & Electric, also includes the installation of 217 kilowatts of new photovoltaic arrays on the roofs of Elting Gymnasium and Sojourner Truth Library.

Energy Management Coordinator Brian Pine attended the NYPA Innovators Summit and accepted the award on the College’s behalf.

The plan to expand solar energy generation and storage at New Paltz is a component of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s BuildSmart NY program, which aims to increase energy efficiency in public buildings in support of New York State’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent and ensuring that half of all energy used in the state comes from renewable sources by 2030.

More information about the New York Power Authority is available online.