Standing in front of a C-5A, Hinchey announces the solar project

NEWBURGH – Congressman Maurice Hinchey announced $4 million in new federal investments that are to pay for the construction of a solar farm within the Stewart Air National Guard Base perimeter that will provide a substantial amount of power to alleviate the facility’s energy needs.

Hinchey said the project at the 105th Airlift Wing is going to be the largest solar energy operation in the Hudson Valley.

“The amount of energy that is going to be produced here would be the equivalent of generating energy for somewhere between 100-150 four-bedroom homes,” he said, Monday.

Base Commander Brig. Gen. Verle Johnston said the venture is a research and development project that is going to provide some “real power” to suit the needs of the operation rather than just experimental purposes.

Johnston noted that on a sunny summer day, when the air conditioners are on full blast, the solar farm will provide for approximately 50 percent of the facility’s energy requirements.

When construction is complete in about a year’s time, said the Congressman, the manner in which the facility will be harvesting solar energy will be an example to not only military installations but other facilities such as schools and hospitals that require large amounts of energy and wish to become more efficient and cost effective.