Solar Project Helps Power 17 Stewart's Shops Locations

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Stewart's Shops convenience stores completed a 1.85-megawatt solar installation at 17 of its locations, which is designed to offset up to 75 percent of the power used by the c-stores.

This installation, conducted by The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and EnterSolar, supports New York State Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's mandate for 50 percent of electricity generation to come from renewable energy sources by 2030 via New York's Reforming the Energy Vision strategy.

In 2013, NYSERDA, EnterSolar and Stewart's Shops announced the installation of a 600-kilowatt system atop Stewart's 300,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center in Greenfield Center. The installation reportedly saves Stewart's Shops approximately $40,000 a year in energy costs and offers environmental benefits the equivalent to taking 80 cars off the road.

“Just as we have a commitment to giving back to our communities, we are committed to making our communities greener,” said Nancy Trimbur, senior vice president at Stewart's Shops. “We're happy to partner once again with EnterSolar and their efforts in encouraging sustainable energy practices. The solar project it completed at our Greenfield plant in 2013 has been a shining success, and the future looks bright for this latest opportunity to be more eco-friendly."

The project, which used remote net metering, was supported by almost $1 million in funding from Cuomo's NY-Sun initiative. Remote net metering allows residential and commercial customers that install solar power to receive a credit on their electricity bill for excess power generated by their system and fed back into the grid.

"We are proud to partner with Stewart's Shops and EnterSolar on this solar project. Stewart's is a true leader in sustainability efforts and is a model for other businesses to follow here in New York State,” said John B. Rhodes, president and CEO, NYSERDA. “Under Gov. Cuomo's NY-Sun initiative, the state is making renewable energy an easy and affordable choice for both businesses and homeowners."

Paul Ahern, president of EnterSolar, added he was pleased to complete the project. “[Stewart’s Shops] is a true partner that recognizes the financial, as well as environmental benefit, of capturing the power of renewable energy. Knowing that solar energy will keep Stewart's Shops ice cream cold all summer just makes the project that much sweeter."

Saratoga Springs-based Stewart Shops operates 331 locations in upstate New York and southern Vermont.