Rutland Center Solar Project
New Leaf Energy is working with landowners and the communities of Rutland and Watertown to develop a proposed 110 megawatt (MW) solar project. In addition to bringing local benefits such as jobs, tax revenue, and support for agriculture in Jefferson County, the project is expected to produce enough domestically-generated renewable energy to power more than 18,000 New York households.
About the proposed project
The proposed project consists of two or three wind turbines which will be thoughtfully sited on their land in Rutland, NY. The landowners are happily leasing this small portion of their property in exchange for a stable 25+ year income with little impact on their current land use.
LOCATION: NYS Route 126 and County Route 160
ESTIMATED TIMELINE: (subject to change pending approvals)
November 2021: Install meteorological tower
February 2022: Begin permitting
May 2022: Complete permitting & electrical interconnection
Fall 2022: Submit building permits
Spring 2023: Construction begins
Benefits for the Rutland & Watertown Communities
Local tax revenue: Municipal services including the town, county, and school districts all benefit from the millions of dollars in increased tax revenue from the project, all of which is negotiated as part of the permitting process.
Jobs: The Rutland Center Solar project is expected to create 200+ jobs during the 18-month construction phase, and 2+ full-time jobs during operations. Strategic partnership with local labor unions will provide members with jobs in and around the communities in which they live.
Agricultural development: The project provides income to support local agriculture.
Local materials: We make our best effort to locally source concrete, gravel, and other materials for the project.
Indirect benefits: Aside from the direct benefits of local employment and spending, the community would see increased spending at local businesses during the construction phase.
Support for New York’s Clean Energy goals: Rutland Center Solar also supports the state’s goals to reach 70% renewable energy generation by 2030 and zero-emissions electricity by 2040.
Your Questions, Answered
We know you may have questions about utility scale solar. We’ve answered some common questions here and if you have any other specific questions, please fill out this form and a member of our team will get back to you. For any other general information about solar, check out one of the best sources of fact-checked information we’ve seen.
Are solar projects safe?
Yes. Panels are made of solid materials and do not present any chemical hazards to people, underlying soil, or groundwater. For decades, communities have been safely living and working around solar projects without issues. They do not create any greenhouse gases or other air pollutants or waste by-products.
How is this project going to benefit me?
Communities benefit with the potential for millions of dollars in added tax revenue dollars and jobs during construction. Funds generated through a solar project can help breathe new life into schools, road infrastructure and essential services like emergency response system upgrades. The project will deliver these economic benefits without making additional demands or impact on community services.
How do solar projects impact property values?
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), solar farms do not typically impact property values. Several other studies conducted in the United States reveal similar results on adjacent property values. SEIA also cites cases that have had positive impacts. Read more here.
How long do solar projects operate?
We expect Rutland Center Solar to operate for up to 30 years.
How long will construction take?
We estimate that the construction will take between 11 to 18 months. Construction will occur between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Sundays and national holidays. Project component deliveries may occur during extended hours on an as-needed basis, and the extended hours would be coordinated with the Town of Watertown, Town of Rutland, and Jefferson County.
What happens at the end of the system’s life?
The solar farm will be decommissioned at the end of its life. The Rutland Center Solar Project plans to operate for up to 30 years. Before beginning construction, New York State’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) will require the Project to submit a decommissioning plan and post a decommissioning bond or letter of credit before construction begins.
Public Engagement
Public Engagement
New Leaf Energy is dedicated to engaging the local community and landowners. The Rutland Center Solar project is being permitted under a state-level process called 94-c which is a comprehensive review that provides many opportunities for public input and involvement. More information on the 94-c process can be found on New York’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) website.
Community Meetings
Throughout the permitting process, New Leaf Energy will be hosting informational open houses. New Leaf Energy experts will provide information about the project, the studies being conducted, interactions with state and local officials, and details regarding 94-c permitting process, including the anticipated application date and information regarding the future availability of local agency and community intervenor funds. Press releases, videos and other materials from the open houses will be posted on this website as they become available.
News Coverage
Read about our in-person open houses at the Watertown Fire Department Reception Hall on April 7 and 8:
• Renewable energy company proposes 520-acre solar project in Rutland, Watertown
• Company holds open house for solar project
Intervenor Funding
Intervenor fund requests will be due within 30 days of the date the application is filed and information about how to seek funds will be provided. For more information about intervenor funds, click here.
Project Document Repositories
While information pertaining to Rutland Center Solar will be continually updated on this website, New Leaf Energy will maintain hard copies of submitted application materials at the following locations for those who may not have access to the website or prefer to review hard copies:
In the town of Rutland, at the Rutland Town Hall and the Sally Ploof Hunter Memorial Library
In the town of Watertown, at the Watertown Town Hall and Evans Mills Public Library
An unparalleled track record
About New Leaf Energy
At New Leaf Energy, we partner with landowners, policy makers, and other stakeholders to accelerate renewable energy adoption. One of the most experienced renewable energy developers in the United States, we have an unparalleled track record of converting potential projects to gigawatts in the ground.