Con Edison Plans 12-MW Solar Project

The pilot program will study the potential impact of solar installations on the electric grid’s most heavily-used sections, explore cost and available funding for solar generation and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and consumption of fossil fuels. The company also expects the program to yield important insights about customer interest in solar and to spur more expansive projects after results are evaluated.

“From the White House to Albany to City Hall, renewable energy is seen as a keystone for freeing the country from its dependence on fossil fuels and reducing carbon dioxide emissions, while creating new jobs,” said Gurudatta Nadkarni, Con Edison vice president for Strategic Planning. “What we learn will be invaluable, allowing us to better map the maximum beneficial impact of future investment in solar for our customers and the electric grid.”

If approved, Con Edison’s initial solar proposal will generate up to:

• 5 MW from large installations of 200 kilowatts (kW) or more
• 5 MW from smaller installations, primarily for residential or small to medium commercial customers
• 2 MW on Con Edison facilities in daytime peak-electric use neighborhoods

Stimulus appropriations, federal and New York City tax incentives as well as New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) funds will be sought to defray the estimated US $20-25 million initial pilot program costs, based on expected responses.

The proposal can be viewed by clicking here.