Hello, solar enthusiasts! With global warming being the startling reality it is, there’s never been a better time to make the switch to renewable energy. I’m here today to discuss an innovative project being developed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority – a solar array for home energy conversion that’s set to redefine boundaries.
The spotlight shines on a plot of land infamous for being one of America’s greatest chemical disasters – love it or loathe it, the ‘Love Canal’ is getting a modern makeover. The ingenious minds at NYSERDA are spearheading a solar power project on this land as part of their adeptly named Build-Ready program.
So, what does this mean for the average Joe pondering solar panels for your home? Quite a fair bit, actually! A typical 16-acre facility can house between three and four megawatts of solar, which requires a 2 MW to 3 MW(ac) grid connection. This sets you back by a neat $5 to $8 million, but who can put a price on saving the planet, right?
While many applaud this innovative endeavour, it’s had its fair share of criticism too. Concerns over the impact of clearing half the 30-acre land for solar panels on the local wildlife, noise from inverters and transformers at the site, and potential interaction between the solar power system and the subsurface pollution have been raised. To add to the list, there’s a claim about solar panels emitting free radicals that could cause cancer in those with weakened immunity – a hypothesis waiting to be explored.
Contrary to these critiques, places like brownfields and landfills are considered ideal locations for solar power plant deployment. This stems from the fact that they’re mostly underused lands that can be transformed and given a new lease on life.
No stone has been left unturned in assessing the viability of connecting the site with local utility company National Grid. As per the PV Hosting Capacity map on National Grid’s System Data Portal, the surrounding power lines have minimal capacity, hovering around 0.54 MWac. However, hope reigns supreme as nearby substations appear to have available capacity that could permit a potentially profitable interconnection for a 2 MW to 3 MW project.
The Build-Ready program, a sterling initiative by the New York State and NYSERDA, seeks to promote solar projects on overlooked lands. Sights are set on locations that are tricky to repurpose, like parking lots, airports, brownfields, landfills, and former industrial sites.
There are many ongoing Build-Ready projects, serving as the beacon of the crucial shift to solar energy. This includes a former mine, a landfill, an airport, and several parking lots. And hey, don’t be too surprised if solar companies start popping up near you.
As we continue on this journey to embrace renewable energy, it’s essential that we stay informed. It is the first step to enlightenment and making better choices for both our homes and our planet. So, whether you’re actively looking for a solar company or just interested in the field, keep those eyes peeled because exciting developments are under the sun!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/09/30/solar-plan-under-development-for-love-canal-chemical-site/
