Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul joined members of the SUNY New Paltz community and other senior state officials and energy leaders to cut the ceremonial ribbon on a new solar energy system, the latest addition to New Paltz’s sustainability infrastructure.
The unveiling of the new solar panels and battery storage system, held during the College’s Earth Week celebration, further affirms SUNY New Paltz’s reputation as one of the greenest colleges in the nation.
The project includes 217 kilowatts of photovoltaic arrays on the roofs of Elting Gymnasium and Sojourner Truth Library, and a hybrid power converter and battery storage system. The solar energy system will operate continuously and support the College’s efforts to sustainably offset reliance on the electrical power grid, while the battery will allow solar-generated electricity to be stored for later use at times of high demand or during emergencies and outages.
View the news release and photo gallery here.
"New Yorkers know all too well the devastating impact of climate change, and we have taken bold action to slow its effects and invest in the energies of tomorrow. This renewable energy and storage project will greatly enhance the college's resiliency in the event of an emergency while also reducing the state's carbon footprint and saving taxpayer dollars year-round."
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
“This innovative project advances New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to build a statewide energy system that is clean, resilient and affordable for all New Yorkers. Thanks to a significant investment from New York State, this project will provide great benefits to both SUNY New Paltz and the state’s electric grid.”
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul
“We are proud of this new addition that will serve as an asset for SUNY New Paltz and the campus community for many years to come. It’s fitting that we celebrate so close to Earth Day, as this builds upon the College’s many ongoing and successful sustainability initiatives.”
President Donald P. Christian
“We’re living at a time when technological advancement in the energy sector is happening all around us at a rapid pace. SUNY New Paltz, in its dedication to advance the state’s ambitious energy goals, is setting a trend for other colleges and public facilities around the state to follow.”
Gil Quiniones, president and CEO, New York Power Authority
“The SUNY New Paltz project is a terrific example of how clean, renewable energy can provide resiliency and help our local communities be better prepared for extreme weather events. I applaud the university for its leadership and for setting an example for other colleges and universities to follow as they play such a vital role in their own local communities.”
Alicia Barton, president and CEO, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
SUNY New Paltz enlisted the help of NYPA to update its electric
power system with the latest solar and other technologies.