Penfield flips switch on solar farm, other local renewable projects get approval

PENFIELD, N.Y. (WHEC) — A new solar array in Penfield is now ready to power the operations of the Monroe County Water Authority.

Local officials met on Thursday morning to flip the switch on the project. The solar array will offset more than 15% of the 50 million Kilowatts per year that the water authority uses to pump and treat water.

The system is one of New York State’s first bifacial solar arrays, which allows light to enter both sides of the panel.

Two other local renewable energy projects recently got approval. The Public Service Commission approved Baron Winds to build and operate a 242-megawatt project in the towns of Cohocton, Dansville, Fremont and Wayland.

The second project approved is a solar farm in Waterloo. Right now the developer is preparing for construction.