McCormick Community Solar Garden

McCormick Community Solar Garden

The McCormick Family farm in Andover, New York, has been in the family since 1917, when Charles Lynch purchased the land. Over the years, the farm has evolved from dairy and potato farming to hosting a 7,016-kilowatt solar array completed in 2025. The project spans 26 acres and produces over 9,000 megawatt-hours of clean energy each year, providing the McCormicks with passive income while allowing them to continue farming parts of the land.

“This generation, we’re changing over to a solar farm where we reap the benefits of solar, just like previous generations benefited from potatoes and cows,” said Terry McCormick, who worked closely with New Energy Equity. “Times change, and we’re changing with them. Hopefully, we can pass the farm on to a sixth or seventh generation.”

For the McCormicks, the solar project was a practical solution to keep the farm financially sustainable. “We knew we were never going to be able to have the farm pay for itself by renting out the land to someone growing corn and soybeans in Allegany County,” Terry explained. “Solar is a great way to earn passive income—it’s like renting to somebody who pays on time and doesn’t make any noise or complaints.”

New Energy Equity’s expertise and customer-focused approach helped bring the project to life. “What really convinced me was having Ty come out to the property,” said Terry. “He showed up on time, looked around, and had a vision for the future. I felt trust with him as a person.” Throughout the process, the team was responsive and transparent. “Whenever there was a problem, New Energy Equity was always there to solve it. They explained every decision, like where the panels would go, and made sure we understood the plan.”

The solar farm fits seamlessly into the working landscape of the property. “Inside the fence, it’s 26 acres with 11,000 panels. But in the field around it, we still have a five-acre strip of corn and another 25-acre area that’s still farmed. It’s the best of both worlds,” Terry said.

The McCormick Community Solar Garden demonstrates how solar energy can provide financial stability and preserve farmland for future generations. For the McCormick Family, partnering with New Energy Equity has been a “blessing” that combines sustainability, tradition, and innovation.