The Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension (OCCCE) has announced its plan to bring solar power to its facility — supporting its ongoing programming throughout the county which aids local youth and families.
The 24.64-kW solar array will generate 29,145 kWh of electricity annually for the facility.
“We are thrilled to be going solar and taking a leadership role in sustainability,” sad Robert Batt, executive director at Orleans County CCE. “We are excited to see the positive impact that this project will have on our community and our mission to provide relevant, accessible and research-based information to grow confident youth and successful farms and gardens for a strong and healthy community.”
The solar project will help build ongoing programming in Orleans County to support local farms and gardens, youth and families. Each dollar saved helps cover operating expenses and provides resources to the organization’s various programs. For example, $1,000 in savings will allow OCCCE to invest in improvements to livestock housing and show supplies, and increase hands-on components in educational workshops. Overall the system is anticipated to save OCCCE over $4,000 in the first year alone.
Everybody Solar, a nonprofit that supports other nonprofits in implementing solar energy through solar arrays, partnered with OCCCE to make this clean energy transition a reality.
“Everybody Solar is pleased to have helped enable solar for Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension,” said Everybody Solar Board Chair Richard Marino. “This is our third major project in New York state in the last decade. Like our prior projects in the state, this system helps a worthy nonprofit reduce their electricity bill, allowing them to focus more funds on their primary mission; in particular youth development and education. This project is also very focused on strengthening our state’s vital agricultural economy.”
Donors for this project include Cargill, The Rochester Area Community Foundation, and individual donors.
News item from Everybody Solar
