Orleans County CCE

installed | october 2023

We brought solar to the Orleans County CCE (OCCCE), helping strengthen ongoing programing in Orleans, NY that supports local agriculture, youth, and families.
The mission of the OCCCE is to provide relevant, accessible, research-based information to grow confident youth and successful farms & gardens for a strong and healthy Orleans community. Serving over 3,000 individuals annually, the Orleans County CCE operates programs ranging from 4H youth development to digital literacy.

Project Overview:

The programs include:

4H youth development
Horticulture education
SNAP Nutrition Education
Digital Literacy
Master Food Preserver
Agricultural Education
Hosting the Orleans County 4-H Fair which showcases the work of their 4-H youth and many organizations and businesses. This traditional event brings together 25,000 friends and family in the last week of July.

Each unique program is adapted to meet the communities most emergent needs, and through partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extensions, offers a trusted standard of quality.

The installed 24.65 kW solar array will generate 28,245 kWh of electricity annually - avoiding 44,129 of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. This is the equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 331 tree seedlings grown for 10 years, or to averting the greenhouse gas emissions of 2,252 gallons of gasoline consumed.

Overall the system is anticipated to save Orleans County CCE ~$3,925 in the first year. Each dollar saved helps to increase security in covering operating expenses and being able to allow programs to get the items they need. For instance, $1,000 in savings, will allow them to invest in improvements to livestock housing and show supplies, and increasing hands on components in educational workshops.

“Orleans CCE has become a hub in our area. We have our own vital programing, but are excited that we are also able to support the county and other organizations meet their needs, helping audiences across the county”, said Robert Batt, OCCCE ED.