In a joint initiative between NextEra Energy Resources and National Grid utility, GPD was contracted to provide 5MW of clean energy to existing 13.2kV National Grid feeders to supplement the utility’s power supply to nearby residents and businesses in two New York cities.

Through a collaborative effort, GPD completed construction documents for the solar fields, developed the interconnection scheme and associated relay settings, and provided civil/site and electrical engineering, including extensive coordination with National Grid for overhead and underground medium voltage distribution circuit extensions.

Each site presented challenges where our team provided engineering solutions to successfully bring this new energy resource to the area. The Rush Solar Farm site contained a gas pipeline easement that ran through the center of the site so panel spacing was closely analyzed and adjusted to meet the tight site constraints. Equipment locations were also optimized and split up on either side of the easement. The Guilderland Solar Farm site contained steep slopes throughout, as well as delineated wetlands within project area. We provided solutions for stormwater management, access drive, temporary laydown areas, and equipment areas.

This project supports National Grid’s existing infrastructure with 5MW grid parallel contribution to decrease overall demand on the grid during peak sun hours.