OGDENSBURG – Construction of a 1.1 MW solar farm on top of the city landfill will begin in April and is expected to save the city $2 million over the next 25 years.

New Energy Equity CEO Ian Palmer said the city would be able to offset 40 percent of its total energy usage through this project. He added that it required virtually no investment from local taxpayers as his company was taking on the project and future maintenance using grants it secured.

The project consists of a 1.1 MW solar project that spans 8 acres of land and is capable of producing 1.4 million kwh of electricity per year.

“The project will produce enough energy to power approximately one-third of the municipal facilities’ electrical needs,” a release issued by Palmer said.

Under the agreement the city will purchased power at 7.9 cents per kwh, that’s about 4 cents cheaper than the current rate paid to National Grid. That amount will increase by 2.5 percent per year, while the Grid price is expected to increase by roughly 4 percent.

Palmer noted that energy prices could sky rocket by as much as 14 percent at times, which would mean even more savings for the city.

City Manager John Pinkerton said the city is fortunate to be part of a new green energy project.

“The city of Ogdensburg is proud to be at the forefront of New York municipalities using renewable electricity as a means to create savings and predictable energy costs,” Pinkerton said in a released statement. “Our public-private partnership with New Energy Equity and RER Energy Group provides an innovative way to repurpose land that would not have any other use for the city and turn it into a renewable energy project that will provide electrical savings for generations to come and reduce our carbon footprint.”

Palmer said the construction will begin in April unless the frost fails to let up. He said the project could be completed as by July.

Palmer said the project will be one of the first of its kind in the state. He expected it will draw attention from other cities looking to offset costs using renewable energy.

“This solar project is a prime example of how environmental responsibility and significant financial benefit from electricity savings can be achieved together and provide tremendous benefit to an innovative municipality,” Palmer said in a prepared statement.

The agreement is for 25 years, at the end of that contract the city will have the option to renew the deal, end the agreement or purchase the solar farm.

“This project represents another example of how our innovative approach to financing renewable energy projects makes solar power a viable, affordable option for municipalities in New York and throughout the country,” Palmer said in his statement.