Syracuse, NY -- The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority will spend $4.4 million over the next five years to establish solar photovoltaic and small wind testing and research centers around the state. Intertek Group plc, a global company with an office in Cortland, will operate the research/test centers in partnership with the Syracuse Center of Excellence,...
A crew from Alternative Power Solutions of NY installs a windmill at a home in Mexico. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has hired Intertek Group plc to establish "small wind'' and solar photovoltaic testing and research centers around the state in partnership with the Syracuse Center of Excellence and a handful of colleges and universities.
Syracuse, NY -- The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority will spend $4.4 million over the next five years to establish solar photovoltaic and small wind testing and research centers around the state.
Intertek Group plc, a global company with an office in Cortland, will operate the research/test centers in partnership with the Syracuse Center of Excellence, AWS Truepower, Clarkson University, the Rochester Institute of Technology, the State University College of Technology at Canton, Alfred State and Binghamton University.
According to NYSERDA, the testing centers will measure safety, performance, reliability, durability and longevity of clean energy technologies. They also will improve predictions of wind and solar output, so windmills and solar arrays can be sited in optimal places. The centers also will help develop a work force proficient in renewable energy technologies.
Across the nation, there are four accredited solar PV test facilities and one small wind test center, the agency said. The number of New York centers has not be determined, said Jeffrey Gordon, speaking for NYSERDA, but he said the initiative will expand that capacity “substantially.” The consortium will determine their location, he said.
Money for the program comes from the system benefit charge on utility bills. After five years, the test centers will be expected to support themselves financially, Gordon said.
Intertek recently announced the opening of a small wind test facility in Otisco.