Solar photovoltaic

In 2012 two graduating seniors presented their capstone research project, Solar on Skidmore, prompting Skidmore to more seriously consider solar in its energy portfolio. In the same year, Governor Andrew Cuomo launched the New York Sun Initiative administered through New York State Energy Research and Development (NYSERDA) to expand solar installations in the state, and favorable remote-net metering regulations further incentivized the development of renewable energy projects. With such timely and favorable opportunities, the college began pursuing photovoltaic solar energy. Dynamic Energy approached Skidmore College, and in collaboration with Washington Gas through a power purchase agreement (PPA), developed plans for a 2-megawatt solar array located on college property about one mile from main campus. Upon completion of the State Environmental Quality Review Act assessment, open community meetings and planning board hearings, the college was approved to build what would be one of the largest solar arrays in the state.

In 2014 Skidmore cut the ribbon on its solar array. The array consists of 6,950 ground-mounted panels that provide about 12% of the college's electricity needs. Click here to read more about the ribbon-cutting ceremony.