The solar array at Clarkson University in Potsdam. The solar farm planned in Massena and Brasher will be much larger.

File photo

Story updated May 23 at 9:34 a.m. for clarification

A solar farm in the towns of Massena and Brasher has received state approval as part of a statewide renewable energy solicitation.

Two Rivers Solar Farm, to be located on land in the towns of Brasher and Massena, was one of 26 renewable energy products statewide that received a state contract Wednesday, May 21, according to a press release from the Governor’s office.

The Two Rivers Solar farm is one of two in the planning stages from Boralex.

All 26 projects are expected to create a total of  1,900 near-term, family-supporting jobs and generate more than $6 billion in private investment while reinforcing the State’s commitment to the development of locally-produced clean energy, grid resiliency and economic development, state officials said. 

As for the Two Rivers Solar project, Boralex officials  previously said around 150 jobs will be created during the construction phase, which could begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with two to three operational support and maintenance positions expected once the site is fully operational.

Upon completion, the projects will provide more than 2.5 gigawatts of clean energy, enough to power more than 670,000 homes throughout New York State. 


These contracted awards are the result of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) 2024 Tier 1 Renewable Energy Standard solicitation.

Once constructed, the projects will produce approximately 5,000 gigawatt-hours annually–which is enough to power more than 670,000 homes–provide public health benefits resulting from reduced exposure to harmful air pollutants; and provide more than $300 million in commitments to disadvantaged communities, as defined by the Climate Justice Working Group, from long-term payments to community benefit funds.