Central Hudson Gas & Electric hosts solar summit in New York

Nearly 100 solar energy industry professionals, New York State officials, and utility representatives attended Central Hudson Gas & Electric’s ninth annual Solar Summit last week in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

The event provided attendees with an opportunity to learn about the procedural aspects of connecting solar electric systems with the utility grid and advances in tools and programs developed by Central Hudson, New York State and advocacy groups to enable solar energy development. They also learned about New York State solar policy, including projects that allow businesses and residents to purchase electricity produced by local solar farms.

“Interest in the development of renewable resources of energy is growing, and our annual Solar Summit helps to increase stakeholder knowledge of this environmentally friendly energy source,” Paul Haering, senior vice president engineering and operations at Central Hudson, said. “Our service area is home to nearly 8,600 customer-owned solar electric systems, which on a per capita basis is among the largest in the state.”

Central Hudson’s existing solar systems offset approximately 4,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year, Hearing said. He added that and that an additional 297 solar systems are proposed which will avoid an additional 25,000 tons of emissions.

“We’re proud of our leadership position in New York, thanks to the commitment shown by local solar professionals, the high level of interest in renewable energy by our customers and Central Hudson’s programs and initiatives that facilitate solar connections to the utility grid,” Hearing said. “Central Hudson’s ongoing investments in the electric system and adoption of new technologies will also enable greater integration of clean, renewable sources of energy developed in our region.”

Shyam Mehta, executive director of The New York Solar Energy Industries Association, said the Solar Summit provided a great opportunity to network with who have a direct impact on how solar developments proceed.