TORONTO — PowerBank Corporation is moving closer to construction on a 3.15 MW DC hybrid solar and energy storage project in Buffalo, New York, after securing two significant permitting approvals that advance the project toward final authorization.
The company announced that the project has successfully passed a Waterfront Consistency Review and received approval for a Zoning Map Amendment, clearing the way for the proposal to be reviewed by the Zoning Board of Appeals for an Area Variance. Once final permits and financing are secured, construction is expected to begin.
Previously announced by the company, the project will incorporate 1.2 MWh of battery energy storage and operate as a community solar facility, allowing renters, homeowners, and businesses to subscribe to the solar installation without installing on-site equipment. Subscribers will receive bill credits and energy savings while clean electricity is delivered directly into the local grid.
The project is expected to have the capacity to power approximately 393 homes, supporting New York’s broader transition to renewable energy and expanded distributed generation.
PowerBank expects the project to qualify for financial support through NYSERDA’s NY-Sun Program and the Retail Energy Storage Incentive Program, in addition to remaining eligible for federal investment tax credits under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025.
The Buffalo project builds on PowerBank’s established development track record, which includes more than 100 MW of completed renewable projects and a development pipeline exceeding 1 gigawatt across North America. The company’s institutional-grade development capabilities and strategic partnerships are expected to support the project through construction and long-term operation.
From a policy standpoint, the project aligns with New York State’s clean energy goals, including targets of 10 GW of distributed solar and 6 GW of energy storage by 2030. New York remains the national leader in community solar capacity, having achieved its 6 GW solar goal under the Climate Act in 2024.
While the project has reached key development milestones, PowerBank noted that it remains subject to several risks, including the receipt of final permits, interconnection approval, financing availability, and the stability of government incentive programs.
PowerBank Corporation is an independent renewable energy developer and owner focused on distributed and community solar and battery storage projects across the United States and Canada. The company develops solar and BESS projects that sell electricity to utilities and commercial, industrial, municipal, and residential customers through a diversified portfolio of off-take structures.
Originally reported by Power Bank Corporation.
