As utility bills continue to rise and sustainability shifts to the forefront of political agendas, community solar allows municipalities to reduce electricity costs, create new jobs in New York State, and reduce GHG/CO2 emissions.
In 2021, the Town of Independence in Allegany County, New York joined OYA Renewable’s state-wide community solar program with a subscription to OYA’s local solar project on Independence Road, a solar farm developed right in the town itself. This made the project quite unique, as it gave OYA the opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship with the town and local community and work together to provide everyone with access to clean energy.
About the Solar Farm in Allegany County
OYA Renewables‘ development of three solar plants in Allegany County, all named after the Town of Independence, provides the local community with access to clean energy as well as financial incentives. All three of these facilities operate on National Grid’s energy grid and will spark economic growth for the surrounding areas in addition to removing the barriers to access to renewable energy that underserved New Yorkers experience. OYA is proud to work so closely with the community to undergo the development and construction of all three plants.
Impact of Community Solar on the Town of Independence
With this subscription to OYA’s community solar program, the municipality will benefit financially from cost savings on electricity for the next 25 years. The town was able to subscribe many different government-owned buildings to solar, to begin their transition to clean energy including their Town Hall and many of their street highway lights.
$1,500
Savings for Each Year
$36,000
Savings over 25 Years
The Town of Independence’s Impact on the Environment
54.1
Metric Tons of CO2
Equivalent Environmental Impact
11
Gas Powered Vehicles Taken off the Road
6.8
Homes’ Energy Use for One Year
125
Barrels of Oil Consumed
Community Impact
Not only does OYA’s community solar program directly save taxpayers money, but we also work directly with local government officials and staff to extend the program to local businesses, community centers, and residents. Whitesville CSD, the town’s school district and largest employer, became a member of our community solar program. Many other residents and local businesses have also come on board after the Town of Independence posted a call-out on their official website, joining the Town’s efforts to decarbonize New York’s grid.
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