MANLIUS, N.Y. — New York State announced plans to install a new solar array at Green Lakes State Park in the town of Manlius.
This shift to power Green Lakes with solar energy builds on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s effort to increase use of renewable energy across all state properties, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) announced Wednesday. The department announced the project “to recognize Climate Week.”
“State Parks is proud of our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and reach our renewable-energy goals,” State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said in a news release. “By utilizing solar energy at Green Lakes State Park, we are not only protecting our environment and invaluable public resources, but also ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.”
The agency has committed to transitioning to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030, and this project will take State Parks closer to that goal. Once fully installed and operational, Green Lakes will be the 51st solar-powered project in State Parks since 2012.
The department anticipates the new 586-kilowatt (kW) system will generate roughly 727,776 kWh/year and will raise State Parks’ total solar-power generation to 6.6 megawatts (MW). This system in turn is anticipated to generate enough to offset 100 percent of Green Lakes’ and 16.5 percent of State Parks’ annual electricity use with solar.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, and boat launches.