New York power

Generates renewable electricity from sunlight, supporting New York communities and producing enough electricity for about 760 homes for a year.*

Air quality & health in Cortland County

Cortland County has a population of 45,752. Across five conditions the American Lung Association tracks — childhood asthma, adult asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease — it reports a combined 9,243 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

Of the 567 solar plants in its category across New York, Source Power NY II – Locust 1 in Cortland ranks #110 by electricity produced in 2024. Owned by Locust Solar LLC, it began operating in 2023 and uses solar photovoltaic technology, meaning panels that turn sunlight directly into electricity with no fuel burned. Its capacity, the most power it can deliver at one moment, is 5.0 MW.

Over the year it produced 7.6 gigawatt-hours, a unit for measuring large amounts of electricity over time, which is enough to supply about 760 homes. It sends power to the local grid through National Grid.

Environmental impact

Produces electricity without burning fuel, which avoids roughly 2,900 metric tons of carbon dioxide a year compared with producing the same electricity from the national mix of power sources — about the same as keeping about 1,100 tons of waste out of a landfill.*

Nearby places worth exploring

Cortland is home to SUNY Cortland, and Greek Peak ski resort sits just to the south. The Finger Lakes region begins a short distance to the west, offering a pleasant day trip from town.

Local school district

Cortland 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.