On September 5, Albany County, in collaboration with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and other project partners, initiated construction on a 2.1-MW solar PV ground-mount array in Colonie. Awarded to Siemens after a competitive bidding process, the solar farm will be managed by Calibrant Energy, a joint venture between Siemens and Macquarie Group. Albany County plans to buy nearly 2.6 million kWh of electricity produced by the farm annually and will receive reimbursement for the power generated on its property, anticipating long-term financial benefits for county taxpayers. Construction is slated for completion in 2024. The solar array’s location on Watervliet Shaker Road will also foster an educational program, enabling students from Capital Region BOCES and local schools to partake in the array’s construction and upkeep and monitor its progress in real-time. The project underwent a State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) last year, followed by public hearings in the spring.
