Bringing clean
energy to Spafford

Producing low-cost and reliable clean energy for the Skaneateles Lake area.

đźź  Proposed development

About the Project

The Spafford Solar project is a proposed community solar facility located at 1714 E. Lake Road in the Town of Spafford, New York. The facility is currently undergoing local review and environmental permitting, including the SEQR process, and remains subject to Town approvals. Site layout and engineering continue to be refined as environmental studies, technical analyses, and agency coordination progress.

The proposed facility would generate renewable electricity using ground-mounted solar panels and deliver that power directly to the local electric grid. No battery energy storage systems are proposed as part of the facility. 

If approved, the facility would contribute renewable energy to the local electric system and support broader statewide renewable energy and emissions reduction objectives Construction activities may also support temporary regional economic activity during the construction phases. 

We continue to coordinate with the Town of Spafford, involved agencies, and technical consultants throughout the ongoing review and permitting process.

Key Numbers

4096
Metric Tons

of CO2 emissions projected to be reduced each year

4.75
MW Ac

community solar project

9.3
Million Killowatt hours

of clean energy
produced annually

559
HOUSEHOLDS

powered by the Spafford Solar Project

Why Solar?

Lower Energy Costs

Solar power is a reliable, fixed-cost energy source that strengthens America’s energy mix and helps lower energy costs for the long term.

Thoughtful Design

Solar farms are quiet, low-impact neighbors. With thoughtful design, they remain out of sight and sound for nearby residents. Long-term land management plans can also boost biodiversity, supporting local wildlife.

Economic Benefits

Beyond environmental benefits, solar farms contribute to rural economies—creating jobs, generating significant local revenue, and providing stable, supplemental income for landowners.

Clean Energy

The Project will provide a clean, renewable source of energy that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and help achieve New York’s Climate Act goal of 70% renewable energy by 2030.

spafford solar

Project Review & Approval Timeline

The Spafford Solar Project has progressed through key stages of review and environmental analysis since the initial application submission in July 2024.

The project is currently undergoing DEIS revisions, with continued agency review, public engagement, and additional approval steps anticipated as part of the SEQR process.

* Timeline stages and estimated review steps are subject to change based on agency review, public input, and the SEQR process. *

20
24
July
July 2024
Original Site Plan Application Package Submitted
Initial project application materials submitted to the Town for review.
20
25
February - November
February 2025
State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Initiated
Town initiated environmental review process under SEQR.

May 2025
First Engineering Review Comments Issued
Town engineering consultant, Barton & Loguidice (B&L), issued initial review comments on the application materials.

July 2025
Updated Project Plans Submitted
‍
Applicant submitted revised plans and updated project materials, including civil design revisions, visual impact assessment updates, operations & maintenance plan updates.

August 2025
Second Engineering Review Letter Issued
B&L issued additional review comments following revised submissions.

August 2025
Positive Declaration Issued Under SEQR
Town Board determined that preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would be required under SEQR.

November 2025
Town Board Accepts Final Scope of EIS
Town Board held a public hearing and accepted the Draft EIS Scoping Document.
20
26
February- April
February 2026
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Submitted
Applicant submitted the DEIS to the Town for review.

March 2026

Initial DEIS Review Completed
Town Board and B&L completed an initial review of the DEIS and provided comments to the Applicant.  
20
26
Current Phase
May 2026
DEIS Revisions Ongoing
Applicant continues revising DEIS and project materials based on comments received from the Town Board and B&L.

July2026

Public Open House
Public informational meeting intended to discuss the Spafford Solar Project with town residents.
Fut
ure
Beyond 2026
Future
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
After the DEIS is deemed complete by the Town Board, a public hearing would be held and public comments considered during preparation of a Final Environmental Impact Statement.  

Future
Site Plan & Special Use Permit Review

Following FEIS acceptance, the project would continue the Site Plan Approval and Special Use Permit review.
20
24
July
July 2024
Original Site Plan Application Package Submitted
Initial project application materials submitted to the Town for review.
20
25
February - November
February 2025
State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Initiated
Town initiated environmental review process under SEQR.

May 2025
First Engineering Review Comments Issued
Town engineering consultant, Barton & Loguidice (B&L), issued initial review comments on the application materials.

July 2025
Updated Project Plans Submitted
‍
Applicant submitted revised plans and updated project materials, including civil design revisions, visual impact assessment updates, operations & maintenance plan updates.

August 2025
Second Engineering Review Letter Issued
B&L issued additional review comments following revised submissions.

August 2025
Positive Declaration Issued Under SEQR
Town Board determined that preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would be required under SEQR.

November 2025
Town Board Accepts Final Scope of EIS
Town Board held a public hearing and accepted the Draft EIS Scoping Document.
20
26
February - April
February 2026
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Submitted
Applicant submitted the DEIS to the Town for review.

March 2026

Initial DEIS Review Completed
Town Board and B&L completed an initial review of the DEIS and provided comments to the Applicant.
20
26
Current Phase
May 2026
DEIS Revisions Ongoing
Applicant continues revising DEIS and project materials based on comments received from the Town Board and B&L.

July 2026
Public Open House
Public informational meeting intended to discuss the Spafford Solar Project with town residents.
Fut
ure
Beyond 2026
Future
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
After the DEIS is deemed complete by the Town Board, a public hearing would be held and public comments considered during preparation of a Final Environmental Impact Statement.  

Future
Site Plan & Special Use Permit Review

Following FEIS acceptance, the project would continue the Site Plan Approval and Special Use Permit review.

About Us

RIC Energy is a renewable energy developer dedicated to supporting communities that are home to our renewable energy projects across North America.

We have an experienced and dedicated team that works closely with the town, your neighbors and other citizens to maximize the positive impacts of our projects.