Upstate New York is facing a unique solar challenge in bringing new solar projects to the region while trying to keep existing solar installations from being vandalized.
The Middletown Times Herald-Record reports that the city of Kingston is being positioned as the new solar energy capital for the state. A project called The Solar Energy Consortium is attempting to score a $35 million investment from the state government for a new solar energy research center based in Kingston. The project is backed by a coalition of local business leaders, elected officials, and Central Hudson Gas & Electric.
Meanwhile, officials in Tompkins County had to shell out $13,000 to repair 12 damaged solar panels on the roof of the Tompkins County Public Library. The Ithaca Journal reports that the damage was created by people throwing rocks and bottles from a neighboring parking garage on to the roof of the library. No arrests have been made yet.
