Long Island Power Authority, BP Solar commission 32MW PV system at Brookhaven National Lab

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory is home to a newly completed 32MW solar array in New York known as the Long Island Solar Farm (LISF).  Representatives from Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), BP Solar International and Brookhaven National Lab were flanked by government and environmental leaders as they celebrated the official completion and commissioning of the system. 

Owned by BP Solar and Met Life, the LISF project is said to be the largest solar energy project in the state of New York, the largest PV array in the eastern US and one of the largest constructed on federal property. It contains 164,312 solar panels, which are expected to produce 50GWh of solar energy per year for LIPA’s electric grid.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

“This is a historic day for LIPA, our customers, and all of Long Island. The thousands of solar panels mounted at this site represent a significant investment and commitment to Long Island’s energy, environmental, and economic future,” said LIPA chief operating officer Michael D. Hervey. “This solar farm not only strengthens our renewable energy portfolio, but also reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, assists New York State in meeting its goal of 30% renewable resources by 2015, and will continue to act as a catalyst for fostering a bright future and green economy on Long Island through the creation of new, high-quality energy jobs.”

LIPA signed a long-term PPA deal with LISF to provide the energy the system produces and any Renewable Energy Credits from the solar farm. According to the organizations, costs to LIPA under the PPA for the energy produced by the solar farm are calculated to be around US$298 million over the contracted 20-year term.

The project developers and owners noted that the LIPA, Brookhaven Lab and BP Solar jointly formed a Natural Resource Benefits package to support the environmental benefits of the LISF project. According to the companies, LIPA will provide US$2 million for open space preservation within the Central Pine Barrens Region, Brookhaven Lab will preserve an additional 51 acres of property and BP Solar will give US$75,000 for ecological habitat, research and restoration.

”This is a major milestone in Long Island’s energy history: for the first time, Long Island has a power plant which will generate reliable and clean electricity for decades to come, using our abundant sunshine instead of polluting fossil fuels,” said Gordian Raacke, executive director of the not-for-profit organization Renewable Energy Long Island (reLI). “Thanks to LIPA’s vision and leadership, we are demonstrating that solar energy systems are a proven technology not only for small rooftop installations but also for large, utility-scale applications.”

Read Next

September 15, 2025
Advances in edge-based artificial intelligence are helping make solar and storage interoperable by tackling the data challenge, writes Andrew Foster.
September 15, 2025
Italy’s latest renewable energy tender has received 12GW of bids, of which the majority, 10GW, came from solar PV.
September 15, 2025
Sunrun has priced a securitisation of leases and power purchase agreements, taking its non-recourse debt capital raised in Q3 above US$1.5 billion. 
September 15, 2025
Norwegian energy firm Statkraft has agreed to divest a portion of its renewable energy portfolio to Serentica Renewables.
September 15, 2025
UNSW spin-out company Lab360 Solar has been awarded funding from ARENA to bring its drone-based PV inspection technology to market.
Premium
September 15, 2025
The UK government and solar industry have jointly published a long-anticipated roadmap detailing how to maximise the country’s solar potential. Chris Hewett, CEO of Solar Energy UK takes a closer look at the details.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines