U.S. Light Energy Community Solar Project in New York Now Operating, Brings Clean Energy to Hundreds of Lewis County Residents

DENMARK, N.Y., May 5, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- U.S. Light Energy, a leading New York solar energy company specializing in the development of solar electric and community solar systems, along with its project partners, today announced the completion of the Denmark Community Solar Project – Lewis County, New York's first community solar project.

U.S. Light Energy developed the 7.2 megawatt (MW) ground-mount project and it will be owned and operated by Standard Solar, a leading solar energy company specializing in the development and financing of solar electric systems nationwide.

This project went live on February 27, 2020 and marks U.S. Light Energy's second completed community solar project in New York. The first, the 7 MW Sugar Hill Solar Farm, was completed in October 2019 and produces enough energy to power up to 600 homes and businesses. With the completion of the Denmark, NY project, U.S. Light Energy is responsible for developing the two largest DG community solar projects in the state.

"We are incredibly excited to announce that our second community solar project in New York State is now operational and producing power for its subscribers," said Mark Richardson, President and CEO of U.S. Light Energy. "Providing clean renewable energy to New York state residents, farms and businesses during this time of crisis is more important than ever and we look forward to bringing more projects online in 2020 and into the future."

The array is producing more than 8.9 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy annually – enough electricity to offset the CO2 emissions from 1,105 homes' electricity use for one year and charging 808,017,523 smartphones.

As part of New York State's Community Solar Program, the electricity generated by the Denmark Community Solar Project can be supplied to customers anywhere in National Grid's existing distribution system. In turn, customers subscribed to the program will benefit from solar energy without the need for their own solar panels. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), about half of the country can't install rooftop solar panels. Community solar offers the individuals and businesses that fall into that category a way to take advantage of the benefits of clean energy.

In a recent Greentech Media article Austin Perea, a senior solar analyst at Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables, said, "because of its lower commitment and higher flexibility, community solar looks to be more insulated from the impacts of a recession. It's possible the new environment will push more customers to consider community solar over residential installations."

"The Town of Denmark is pleased to be partnered with U.S. Light Energy in Lewis County's first community solar project," said James Der, Supervisor, Town of Denmark. "Suppling clean, renewable energy to the residents of the town is a pleasure. Being the front runner, we hope to set an example for future projects not only in our town but the rest of the county and surrounding areas."

"As Lewis County continues to be a leader in renewable energy, we are pleased to see the completion of this project that not only provides the benefit of clean energy for our residents and businesses, but also provides economic opportunities for our communities," said Brittany Davis, Executive Director, Lewis County Economic Development/IDA.

"Now, more than ever before, it's especially important that community solar projects are operating and generating clean energy for the community," said Scott Wiater, President and CEO of Standard Solar. "Partnerships are the backbone of success, and we're privileged to have financed and now own and operate this landmark project made possible by U.S. Light Energy and the state of New York."

This project received funding from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's NY-Sun initiative, which is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

About U.S. Light Energy
U.S. Light Energy is a Latham, New York-based distributed generation energy development company specializing in solar and renewable energy solutions, including community solar, for residential communities and commercial customers. Working on behalf of all our partners: landowners, businesses, state and local authorities (AHJs), engineering firms, vendors, contractors, and financiers to create distributed energy projects where everyone can participate in creating a better future for our children and our planet. For more information, visit http://www.USLightEnergy.com.

About Standard Solar
Standard Solar, Inc. is a leading solar energy company specializing in the development and financing of solar electric systems nationwide. Dedicated to making Distributed Generation (DG) solar more accessible to businesses, institutions, governments and utilities, the company is forging the path for clean, renewable energy development through turnkey solutions. With more than 100 megawatts installed, financed and maintained, Standard Solar is one of the most trusted and respected solar companies in the US. Owned by Énergir, a leading energy provider with more than $5.8 billion US in assets, Standard Solar operates nationally and is headquartered in Rockville, Md. For more information, please visit http://www.standardsolar.com.

SOURCE U.S. Light Energy