New York power

Generates renewable electricity from sunlight, supporting New York communities and producing enough electricity for about 340 homes for a year.*

Air quality & health in Montgomery County

Montgomery County has a population of 49,368. Across five conditions the American Lung Association tracks — childhood asthma, adult asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease — it reports a combined 10,138 cases in the county.

No ozone or particle pollution grades are available for this county in the most recent report. The figures above describe how many residents live with conditions sensitive to air quality — not measured pollution levels.

Long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to certain health conditions, particularly for children and older adults. Where electricity comes from affects how much combustion pollution is produced on the grid.

These figures describe the county as a whole and are not specific to this facility. Sources: American Lung Association – State of the Air (New York); U.S. EPA Air Quality Index.

The story behind this New York renewable energy facility

Amsterdam North is one of 567 solar plants in New York, and it ranks #307 of 567 by electricity produced in 2024. It sits on State Highway 67 in Amsterdam, Montgomery County, and began operating in 2018. It uses solar photovoltaic technology, which means panels turn sunlight directly into electricity.

In 2024 it produced 3.4 gigawatt-hours, a gigawatt-hour being a way of measuring a large amount of electricity over time, which is enough to power about 340 homes. Its capacity is 2.0 MW, a megawatt being the most power it can deliver at one moment. Onyx Asset Services Group owns it, and National Grid serves the area.

Environmental impact

Produces electricity without burning fuel, which avoids roughly 1,300 metric tons of carbon dioxide a year compared with producing the same electricity from the national mix of power sources — about the same as not using about 3,200 barrels of oil.*

Nearby places worth exploring

Amsterdam sits along the Mohawk River corridor, where the Erie Canal’s locks and towpath trails follow the valley. The area is a pleasant setting for a walk or bike ride along the water.

Local school district

Amsterdam City School District

Common questions

* Homes-powered and emissions comparisons are annual estimates based on national averages from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. “Homes powered” describes a quantity of electricity, not direct service to specific households. How we calculate this.