The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Onyx Renewable Partners completed the 2.6- megawatt solar installation at the City of Saratoga Springs’ former landfill. The project will help New York meet Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Clean Energy Standard requiring 50 percent of the state’s electricity come from renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, by 2030.

“Congratulations to the City of Saratoga Springs for having the vision to turn an under-utilized site like its landfill into an environmental and economic success story,” Alicia Barton, president and CEO, NYSERDA, said in a statement. “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, local communities are leading the way in embracing opportunities like this to improve their environment and fight global climate change at the same time.”

The solar array is comprised of 7,992 solar panels across 14.6 acres on Weibel Avenue, at the site which also serves as the city’s transfer station. The project is expected to generate roughly 3,000 megawatt-hours per year, equivalent to the energy used by 370 homes. Putting solar arrays on former landfills is becoming more widespread. The energy provided is expected to offset approximately 1,605 metric tons of CO2 emissions. The project was constructed by Onyx Renewable Partners, a New York-based solar developer.

“Onyx is both excited and thrilled that the solar energy project will not only provide savings for energy usage for the City of Saratoga Springs, but it is also aligned with the City’s commitment to a greener and more efficient future,” Onyx CEO Matt Rosenblum said in a statement.

The project was supported through NY-Sun, Governor Cuomo’s $1 billion initiative to advance the scale-up of solar and move the State closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry. Since 2011, solar in New York State has increased nearly 800 percent and leveraged nearly $1.5 billion in private investments. NY-Sun is an integral part of Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to build a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers.