Residents oppose proposed 140-megawatt solar project in Hounsfield, Watertown

Residents are challenging a proposed solar farm that would place up to 140 megawatts of solar generation on about 800 acres in Hounsfield and Watertown. The project, known as Greens Corners Solar, remains under review by the New York State Public Service Commission after a virtual public statement hearing on Nov. 5, 2026.

Greens Corners Solar LLC has asked the commission for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and lighter regulation as a wholesale generator under Section 68 of New York’s Public Service Law. The project would use about 509,650 bifacial panels mounted on single-axis trackers and connect to National Grid’s Coffeen-to-West Adams 115-kilovolt transmission line through a new interconnection point, according to the state Department of Public Service.

The state Office of Renewable Energy Siting issued the project’s siting permit in September 2022. A February 2024 modification increased the planned capacity from 120 megawatts to 140 megawatts. The commission’s review will not revisit issues already decided by the siting office.

The project began under New York’s Article 10 process in 2019 and moved to the state’s Section 94-c process in 2021. Boralex initially proposed the project, which later became associated with AES. The site is primarily agricultural land, and residents have raised concerns about farmland, wildlife habitat, property values and quality of life. Some residents have also discussed possible legal action seeking to revoke the project’s approval.

Hounsfield’s Town Board held an Oct. 14 public hearing on an updated solar law. The law covers solar projects of less than 25 megawatts and battery storage, so it does not cover Greens Corners Solar. Town Supervisor Beth Arthur said the town needs a solar law because solar farms are already present in Hounsfield. Board member Dawn Nier said prime farmland should not be the center of a solar project.

AES says construction is expected to begin in 2027, with commercial operation planned for 2028. The company says the project could create at least 100 construction jobs at peak activity and two to three long-term jobs. AES lists project information at its Greens Corners website.

The PSC case is 23-E-0587. Residents can submit written comments for the case record through the Department of Public Service. AES can be contacted at greenscornerssolar@aes.com or 866-757-7697. Hounsfield Town Hall is at 18774 County Route 66, Watertown, NY 13601. The Department of Public Service lists accessibility assistance at 1-518-473-9463, language assistance at 1-800-342-3377 and relay service at 711.