Nautilus Solar Energy announces the opening of the first community solar project developed on a Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS). Located near Northeastern Industrial Park in Guilderland, Albany County, New York, this innovative initiative showcases the transformation of a liability into a significant environmental asset. The 2.8-MW project will provide clean energy to over 260 New York households and anchor subscribers in National Grid’s utility territory.
“The successful development of this community solar farm on a FUDS site sets a new precedent in renewable energy projects. It’s a proud moment for Nautilus as we contribute to the clean energy transition while fostering local economic growth,” said Eric LaMora, Executive Director of Community Solar at Nautilus Solar Energy.
Located on the site of the Altamont municipal waste dump and burn pit, the area was formerly the Schenectady Army Depot – Voorheesville Area, a critical U.S. Department of the Army facility from 1941 to 1969. This depot played a pivotal role in receiving, storing, and transmitting military supplies during World War II and the Korean War. Extensive environmental maintenance at the site has been conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program for Formerly Used Defense Sites (DERP-FUDS). As a result, the community solar farm was developed with special accommodations to protect the land. For example, the photovoltaic array is mounted as a fixed-tilt ballasted system on the vegetated landfill cap, ensuring minimal disturbance to the underlying structure.
The community solar farm allows subscribers who want the benefits of solar energy, but cannot install solar panels on their own homes, to subscribe to community solar at a discount to the standard electric service rate. Community solar supports New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act), which mandates the state to obtain 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The act also ensures that at least 35 percent of the benefits of clean energy investment are directed to disadvantaged communities (DAC) and low-to-moderate income (LMI) subscribers.
The construction of this project generated local jobs and supports full-time positions dedicated to electrical maintenance and site vegetation management.
News item from Nautilus Solar Energy
