A new solar-power project is expected to save thousands of dollars a year in electrical costs in Amsterdam, New York. Built on a decommissioned reservoir, the 2,000-panel array is the biggest solar project to date in the city of 18,000 people, about 35 miles from Albany.
The project is expected to generate enough electricity to power the city’s water and wastewater plants and pump station.
Monolith Solar paid to build the array, with the city agreeing in return to buy power from it for 20 years, at about 30 percent below prevailing energy rates. The city expects to save USD $40,000 in the first year and USD $1.3 million over 20 years.
After that, the city can buy the system, extend the agreement in five-year intervals or end the deal and have Monolith Solar dismantle the array, he said.