Leadership from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and Red Hook Central School District joined together at the Mill Road Elementary School to announce the completed installation of three rooftop solar systems at the district’s elementary, middle and high schools. The nearly $1.7 million solar arrays have a combined direct current capacity of 600 kW and support New York State’s goal to procure 70% of New York’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030 and to transition to a carbon-free power grid by 2040.
“NYPA’s partnership with Red Hook schools’ reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and teaching the next generation about climate action, said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “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.”
In total, 1,200 panels were installed on the rooftops at the 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 electricity used by the district. NYPA financed the projects and awarded Red Hook Central School district with a $40,000 grant to support their construction. The systems — constructed by Solar Liberty, a New York-based firm — are the first NYPA-supported solar projects in Dutchess County.
“One of our goals as a district is to increase our energy efficiency and decrease our carbon footprint,” said Red Hook Central School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Janet Warden. “In utilizing solar power gathered through solar arrays on each of our school buildings, we’re showing students everybody can be involved in supporting the environment and will perhaps encourage them to take small steps to do so at home. All the while, the project will also reduce energy costs, which aids all district residents.”
News item from NYPA