Residents Raise Concerns; Massive Solar Farm in Canajoharie Will Span Miles

Solar farmPhoto byAmerican Public Power AssociationonUnsplash

A planned 300 megawatt solar array farm in Montgomery County, NY was unveiled at a public meeting. Rather than a formal presentation, residents were greeted with poster boards and comment cards. Company representatives, however, were on hand to answer questions.

One resident observed that the array will stretch for miles, and extend into the Town of Root as well. The panels are expected to provide power for up to 59.000 homes. There was no mention of whether local residents would benefit from the proximity of the power source through cheaper power.

Canajoharie sign NYS ThruwayPhoto byPublic Use

There are concerns for the projects impact on the landscape in this rural river valley town. A similar project in Pattersonville, NY faces a moratorium unless the state steps in to over-ride the local authorities.

Farmers in the area have been open to leasing their land for the project. Cordelio Power is in the process of getting the needed state permits to begin construction.

Solar projects larger than 25 MW need approval from the state Office of Renewable Energy Siting, also known as ORES.