500 MW Solar Farm Gets Green Light For Construction in USA

Hecate Energy LLC and Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company announced that the 500 MW Cider Solar Farm is moving forward with construction as approved by the New York Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Transmission (ORES).

Hecate develops renewable energy projects and storage solutions across the U.S. In 2024, Greenbacker, an independent power producer focused on energy transition, acquired the Cider Solar Farm from Hecate, becoming its long-term owner and operator. To support the acquisition, construction, and operation of the project, Greenbacker secured US$ 950 million in financing. Once completed, Cider Solar Farm will be the largest solar project in New York. 

This large-scale project covers about 2,500 acres near Elba and Oakfield in Genesee County. It is expected to generate 920,000 MWh of electricity annually, supplying power to over 120,000 New York homes. This output would be enough to meet the energy needs of all 26,013 households in Genesee County, as well as homes in surrounding counties such as Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming, and Allegany.