Gov. David A. Paterson, D-N.Y., says that the largest solar energy project in New York state history is moving forward on Long Island, increasing the state's total solar energy production threefold. The planned 50 MW project would provide enough power to sustain more than 6,500 households.
Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) officials have declared the results of a competitive procurement marking the selection of BP Solar to provide 36.9 MW of solar energy that would be hosted on the federal property of Brookhaven National Laboratories. Additionally, enXco will supply 13.1 MW of solar energy from facilities constructed and operated on municipal, school and private properties across Long Island.
LIPA says it will start negotiations with both developers for 50 MW of solar photovoltaic energy through a power purchase agreement for terms of 20 years with contracted deliveries to begin between June 1, 2009, and May 1, 2011. The solar energy will be produced by the selected developers of the solar photovoltaic systems and will be introduced onto the LIPA grid and purchased by LIPA.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority will provide LIPA with $15 million and will continue to work with LIPA to identify other funds that may be eligible for use by LIPA to support the project.
SOURCE: Office Of New York Governor David Paterson
