Two solar installations set for Yates

May 26, 2020 at 10:01 pm by Observer-Review


Two solar installations set for Yates ADVERTISEMENT

Two solar installations set for Yates

YATES COUNTY--Yates County and BQ Energy Development have signed a 35-year land lease for two capped landfill properties within Yates County that will allow for the installation of up to 37 MW of solar photovoltaic arrays on the surface of the landfills. The projects could operate by late 2021 and combined would be among the largest installations of solar energy on landfill properties in New York. Once the full build-out of the projects are completed, Yates County would receive almost $200,000 in annual rent plus additional benefits in reduced price electric power sales.
BQ Energy was selected as the result of a 2019 Request for Proposal issued by Yates County based upon both economic benefit and overall qualifications and approach to the development of the two projects. Now that the lease has been signed and approved by the Yates County Legislature, BQ Energy will begin to finalize design work, begin electrical interconnection studies with NYSEG, and also begin to consult with the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation regarding permit matters.
The capped landfill properties are in the Town of Torrey (off Longpoint Road) and the Town of Potter (off Hagerty Road). Each site will require normal appropriate coordination with the towns and communities. The solar project designs will involve the use of above-ground ballast block foundations to maintain the environmental integrity of the capped landfills.
Commenting on the projects, Yates County Administrator Winona Flynn said, "Yates County is thrilled to have this come to fruition. Joe Reed, our superintendent of buildings and grounds began the investigation of the feasibility of solar facilities on county landfills over a year and a half ago. The experience and professionalism that BQ Energy has exhibited throughout this process made them the most logical choice for us. The revenue and savings benefit of this project to our county is substantial."
Yates County Legislator and Chair of Public Works, Dan Banach adds, "This is a great use of land that was deemed non-usable for years and we were able to turn it into something so positive for our county."
More information can be obtained at www.bqenergy.com or info@bqenergy.com

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