Pivot Energy and EPC provider GreenSpark Solar have wrapped up construction for a four-project Upstate New York solar portfolio with agrivoltaics. The more than 22 MWdc portfolio is a crucial step toward New York’s goal of reaching 70% renewable energy by 2030 and a zero-emission electric grid by 2040.
This spring, the four solar projects owned and developed by Pivot began producing energy across Upstate New York, including several projects within the Adirondack region. Funding for the projects included NYSERDA’s NY-Sun Program, and the portfolio adds to Pivot’s existing 2,000+ project history. By partnering with GreenSpark Solar, Pivot was able to ensure quality installations while keeping the labor and economic benefits of the projects as local as possible. The solar projects are enrolled in the Remote Crediting program, which is tailored to commercial subscribers, local farms, nursing homes, and school districts.
“This 22 MW portfolio is the result of the collaboration between GreenSpark Solar and Pivot Energy teams. As Certified B Corporations, both GreenSpark and Pivot prioritize bringing clean, local energy to Upstate NY, and benefiting all stakeholders,” said Kevin Schulte, GreenSpark CEO.
The innovative portfolio maximizes solar production. It is made up entirely of tracker systems that adjust their axes to face the photovoltaic panels towards the optimal position of the sun. In addition, all sites will be grazed by sheep, the majority through United Agrivoltaics, a nationwide co-op of sheep farmers. Pivot is also working with a nonprofit entity to sponsor the raising and releasing of native ground-nesting birds on two of the sites.
“Pivot Energy is pleased to work with GreenSpark Solar on this Upstate New York Solar Portfolio, an important step toward New York’s clean energy goals,” says Brit Gibson, chief operating officer at Pivot Energy. “We are thrilled to be able to utilize agrivoltaics, allowing the use of land for both regenerative agriculture and solar energy generation, providing several benefits all at once.”
