Catalyze, a fully integrated developer and Independent Power Producer (IPP) of distributed renewable energy assets, has successfully launched a 4.8 MW community solar project in Frankfort, New York. The project will provide electricity to both residential and commercial consumers, including low- and middle-income subscribers.
The project was made possible through New York’s Inclusive Community Solar Adder (ICSA), which aims to expand access to community solar in disadvantaged communities. By utilizing this initiative, Catalyze is helping to reduce energy costs for Frankfort residents, creating jobs, and advancing the energy transition in an area traditionally challenged by shading and other limitations that have hindered solar installations.
Developed on a designated brownfield site owned by Human Technologies, the project highlights Catalyze’s expertise in transforming previously disturbed land into renewable energy assets. Catalyze recently converted a former landfill in Lancaster, NY, into two operational solar sites. Through its partnership with Human Technologies, the project also supports New York’s ambitious community solar goals of achieving six gigawatts (GW) of distributed solar by 2025 and 10 GW by 2030.
“We’ve had tremendous success in New York, deploying renewable energy to meet climate goals while fostering community development through clean energy projects,” said Jared Haines, CEO of Catalyze. “Human Technologies’ strong local presence in the Frankfort area was invaluable in connecting with stakeholders and ensuring the project’s success.”
Tim Giarrusso, President/CEO of Human Technologies, added, “At Human Technologies, we are dedicated to providing meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities and supporting initiatives that benefit our communities. Partnering with Catalyze on this solar project aligns with our commitment to environmental sustainability and local economic growth by transforming a former brownfield into a source of renewable energy for the region.”
Dan Leary, Managing Partner of OurGeneration, praised the collaboration, stating, “We’re thrilled to celebrate this community solar project, which repurposes unused industrial land. Thanks to Human Technologies’ commitment to sustainability and Catalyze’s leadership, we’re delivering clean, affordable energy to the local community.”
This project marks Catalyze’s sixth community solar development in New York, joining existing sites in Amherst, Lancaster, Potsdam, Grand Island, Castignetti, and Sherman. The company is working to install a 79 megawatt (MW) portfolio of community distributed generation (CDG) solar projects across the state, supported by $100 million in financing from the New York Green Bank.
