WATERTOWN — A San Diego-based renewable energy company is proposing a 110-megawatt, 520-acre solar project in the towns of Rutland and Watertown.
The Rutland Center Solar Project would be built along Route 126 and Route 12, straddling the town lines of Rutland and Watertown. Borrego Energy is the developer.
One of the biggest solar projects proposed in the north country, the solar array is expected to produce enough electricity to power more than 18,000 homes, according to Borrego company officials.
The company has not started the application process with the state Office of Renewable Energy Siting. Construction is planned start in 2024 and it would not be in operation until a year later. The project would follow ORES’ 94-c permitting process and environmental review for large solar projects.
Borrego plans to file the application by the end of the year. The company also has a contract with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority under the 2020 Renewable Energy Standard solicitation.
“It’s in the early stages,” Borrego Senior Project Developer Leah Grossman said.
The company held an open house on Thursday at the Watertown Fire Department station, giving residents a chance to find out more about the project.
A few residents attending the open house said they had been aware of the project for a couple of years. The company was not required to start the public outreach for another four months.
“We wanted to get some public input early on,” Ms. Grossman said.
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