Red Hook Central School District

In 2019, Red Hook Central School District voters approved a proposition to create solar arrays atop the district's three school buildings.

In association with the New York Power Authority and Solar Liberty, the project was complete in the fall of 2024.

Roughly 30% of the district's energy usage comes from the 1,200 solar panels, which generate more than 630-megawatt hours of energy annually and are expected to generate roughly $80,000 in utility credits annually, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 80 metric tons — the equivalent of consuming nearly 9,000 gallons of gasoline.

NYPA assisted in the design of the systems, which are the first NYPA-supported solar projects in Dutchess County. The solar system officially has a 25-year lifespan, but it could continue to produce power well beyond that time if properly maintained. At the end of 25 years, it’s estimated the district will have saved $1.175 million.

The project is part of a larger district priority to be environmentally conscious in all of its decisions.