Three Agrivoltaic Community Solar Projects Planned for New York
BlueWave, a solar developer dedicated to agrivoltaics, is planning three new solar installations in Johnstown, New York. These projects, currently in the design phase, will collectively generate 16 MW of power.
Jesse Robertson-DuBois, BlueWave’s director of sustainable development, emphasized their commitment to agrivoltaics, stating it is now their standard approach for land use in solar arrays. The projects will incorporate designs that support grazing sheep for natural vegetation management, aligning with local zoning regulations.
The three projects are:
Kecks Center Creek: 4.19 MWdc
Briggs Run: 6.57 MWdc
Indian Road Pond: 4.37 MWdc
Each site will feature nearly 30,000 Heliene solar modules mounted on trackers. Heliene, a manufacturer with facilities in Ontario, Canada, and Mountain Iron, Minnesota, is also planning a new U.S. cell factory in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
These community solar projects will allow local customers to subscribe and support the initiatives, with a mix of 40% commercial and 60% residential customers. A portion of the electricity will be allocated to low- to medium-income residents.
This marks BlueWave’s first venture into New York, a state known for its significant community solar presence, having reached 1 GW of cumulative installations two years ago.
Agrivoltaics, which combines farming with solar energy production, is projected to become a $9.3 billion market by 2031. Experts believe this approach can enhance food security while advancing clean energy goals.
