New York water authority installs cutting-edge solar array in energy, cost reduction effort

In August, Monroe County Water Authority (MCWA) joined with the New York Power Authority (NYPA), developer Sol Systems, local dignitaries and elected officials to celebrate the completion of its new 5 MW ground-mounted solar array in Penfield with a ‘flip the switch’ ceremony. The project is one of the first in New York State to utilize bifacial solar modules and single axis tracking, which allows light to enter both sides of a panel, increasing total energy generation and also adjusting to track the movement of the sun.

The installation of the new solar array, located on the Water Authority’s property at the corner of Penfield Road and Watson Hulbert Road, is part of the Water Authority’s long-term goal to reduce energy expenses. The array is expected to generate 8 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which represents more than 15 percent of MCWA’s energy needs for water pumping and treatment.