Town and Village of New Paltz solar installation

Overview

The Village and Town of New Paltz have joined in a collaborative initiative to offset operational expenses, conserve resources and reduce air pollution through the use of renewable energy. A photovoltaic (PV) system atop the Department of Public Works building converts sunlight to electricity, powering the shared Village and Town municipal buildings with clean, renewable energy. This highly visible PV system is located in the municipal complex on Plattekill Avenue, the major pedestrian and vehicular artery connecting SUNY New Paltz and the commercial core of the community.

The 14.85 kW PV system is located on the Department of Public Works (DPW) building. While it looks like one system, it is actually three different systems that are connected to the utility grid through three utility meters that serve the Village Hall offices, the Village Fire Department, and the Town Police Department. A solar-powered battery back-up system provides supplemental power for the Fire Department during utility outages. The system cost is approximately $143,380 and the NYSERDA incentive is $96,200. The New Paltz PV system will generate approximately 15,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Emissions of CO2 will be reduced by over 14,270 pounds annually.

The Village of New Paltz is also in the process of becoming an Energy Smart community, and is taking measures to implement Energy Smart activities. The Village and Town of New Paltz are collaborating with SUNY New Paltz, the New Paltz Central School District, and the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce to provide PV and Energy Smart-related science education opportunities for the college and school district through curriculum, seminars, and workshops.

Hudson Valley Homegrown Energy and Resource Map
updated 03/2012 by Hudson Valley Noteworthy Sites