MONTICELLO — The Village of Monticello discussed a proposal to install floating solar panels on one of its lakes, following a proposal by renewable energy company Laketricity during Wednesday night’s Village Board meeting.

Representatives Lily Hassett and Angell Ewane outlined the concept and addressed a range of questions from Village officials and residents during a public hearing.

The proposed solar array would float on pontoons anchored by mooring lines, which Hassett described as “temporary and fully removable,” leaving no lasting environmental footprint. Before any development could proceed, Laketricity would need Village permission to begin permit applications with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Health (DOH).

Financial terms and concerns

One of the main concerns raised by Trustee Theodore Hutchins was the proposed lease payment structure. The company suggested a base payment of 1.5 percent of energy revenue, which Hutchins feared would remain fixed year after year.

Hassett explained the 1.5 percent rate reflects current electricity market conditions but said the lease terms are negotiable. 

“We’d need to return to our managers and discuss potential adjustments,” she said, assuring the board that the Village could revisit the financial arrangement.

Community solar and  resident benefits

Village Manager James Snowden and others pressed for clarity on how the community would benefit beyond leasing the lake. Hassett responded that the solar installation would operate as a community solar project. Village residents could subscribe to the system and receive a 5 to 10 percent discount on their electricity bills without switching from NYSEG.

“Residents would sign up through a platform, and the savings would be applied directly,” Hassett said. 

Information about the program could be shared through community meetings, mailings, and on the Village’s website – www.villageofmonticello.com.

Trustee John Barbarite summarized the model: “Laketricity would supply energy to the grid, NYSEG would distribute it locally, and the Village would receive lease payments from the revenue generated.”

Why Monticello?

Hassett explained that Monticello was selected due to three key factors: 

• Strong capacity on the local electric grid.
• the large size of the lakes [around Monticello].
• The company’s goal to support local communities transitioning to clean energy.

“We want to help areas like Monticello move toward renewable energy,” she said.

Laketricity has completed a similar floating solar project in Sayreville, New Jersey, and has four more in progress in Massachusetts. Some residents, including Dorothy Sanchez, suggested that Village representatives visit the New Jersey site before making any decisions.

Next Steps

Responding to concerns about project delays in other areas, Hassett noted that grid infrastructure upgrades across New York have caused timing issues, but emphasized that early planning improves approval chances.

Village Attorney Michael Sussman recommended further discussions with Laketricity to clarify terms and keep the public hearing open for continued input.

“We need more specifics before we bring this back to the public,” said Sussman.

Village Mayor Rochelle Massey agreed, and the Board voted to keep the hearing open while engineers from the Village and Laketricity continue talks.