Leadership from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the Red Hook Central School District gathered at Mill Road Elementary School to announce the completed installation of three rooftop solar systems at the school’s elementary, middle and high schools. district. The nearly $1.7 million solar panels have a combined DC power of 600 kW and support New York State’s goal to generate 70% of New York’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and transition to a carbon-free energy system by 2040 electricity grid.
“NYPA’s partnership with Red Hook schools reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and educating the next generation about climate action,” said Justin E. Driscoll, president and CEO of NYPA. “Working with the Red Hook District has been extremely rewarding for NYPA, and the new solar energy systems will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs for the District.”
A total of 1,200 panels were installed on the roofs of Mill Road Elementary School, Linden Avenue Middle School and Red Hook High School. The solar portfolio is expected to offset more than 30% of the district’s electricity consumption. NYPA funded the projects and awarded the Red Hook Central School district a $40,000 grant to support their construction. The systems – built by Solar Liberty, a New York-based company – are the first NYPA-supported solar projects in Dutchess County.
“One of our goals as a district is to increase our energy efficiency and reduce our environmental footprint,” said Dr. Janet Warden, superintendent of the Red Hook Central School District. “By using solar energy collected from solar panels on each of our school buildings, we are showing students that everyone can be involved in supporting the environment and perhaps encourage them to take small steps to do the same at home. to do. At the same time, the project will also reduce energy costs, which will benefit all local residents.”
News item from NYPA
