The completion of the largest rooftop solar project in New York State was announced in July 2023 by Governor Kathy Hochul, according to a release, located on top of the distribution center owned by Medline Industries in Orange County.
The community solar project supports New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s goal of installing six gigawatts of distributed solar by 2025. The overall goal of Medline and New York State working together is to accelerate progress toward ten gigawatts of distributed solar by 2030. The current project on Medline’s roof will provide 7.2-megawatts of energy toward the future statewide goal.
The project, completed with more than 17,000 solar panels, aims to reduce energy costs for both Medline and residents of the Mid-Hudson region. It will generate 8.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean power annually, which is enough to power over 1,600 homes. Carbon emissions will be reduced by nearly 6,000 metric tons annually as a result of the project, which is the equivalent of taking over 1,200 cars off the road, the release said.
According to Governor Hochul, “The completion of this project marks another major milestone in the Empire State and reflects a successful trend of private investment in community-centered projects that are now at the heart of our clean energy transition.”
The project was funded with nearly $5 million in private investment from the developer PowerFlex, which is a national provider of solar, storage, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, now owned by Medline Industries.
According to PowerFlex CEO Raphael Declercq, “As the project developer, we are proud to have helped bring this record-breaking New York rooftop community solar project into reality. PowerFlex’s partnership with Medline over the years has enabled the installation of multiple solar projects across the country, and we commend their deep and ongoing commitment to sustainability.”
Dedication to sustainable healthcare
Medline’s distribution center opened in August 2022 and currently employs more than 700 people in the medical supply industry. The distribution center will use 40% of the clean energy generated by the solar project and leave 60% available for nearly 600 residents.
“Medline is unwavering in its commitment to building an environmentally sustainable business by investing in green technologies. The installation of New York’s largest rooftop solar project at our Montgomery distribution center exemplifies our dedication to making healthcare more sustainable for providers and their patients in the state,” according to Francesca Oliver, Medline Vice President of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).