Project at a Glance
Key Facts
| Project Name | Shepherd's Run Solar Farm |
| Location | Town of Copake, Columbia County, NY |
| Developer | Hecate Energy |
| Capacity | 42 megawatts (MW) |
| Total Land | ~700 acres (7 parcels) |
| Panel Footprint | ~215 acres (rest is setbacks/buffers) |
| Permitting | ORES (Office of Renewable Energy Siting) |
| ORES Case # | 21-02553 |
What Is Shepherd's Run?
Shepherd's Run is a proposed solar photovoltaic (PV) facility that would generate clean electricity for approximately 9,500 homes. The project is located along Routes 23 and 7 in the Town of Copake, Columbia County.
The project spans 7 parcels of privately-owned land totaling about 700 acres. However, only approximately 215 acres would contain solar panels—the remaining land consists of required setbacks, buffer zones for visual screening, and preserved natural areas.
Community Benefits
- Community solar subscriptions — Residents can subscribe and save ~10% on electricity bills
- Local tax revenue — Payments to Copake and Columbia County
- Construction jobs — Local employment during building phase
- Maintenance jobs — Ongoing local employment
- Lease payments — Income for participating landowners
- Agrivoltaics — Sheep grazing and pollinator habitat under panels
Project Timeline
- 2021 — Initial application submitted to ORES
- 2023 — Public hearings and comment periods
- 2024 — Application returned for additional information; revised plans submitted December 2024
- 2025 — Under ORES review
Common Misconceptions
"It's 700 acres of solar panels"
Only 215 acres have panels. The rest is required setbacks, buffers, and preserved land.
"It destroys farmland"
Solar keeps land in agricultural zoning, provides farmer income, and is fully reversible. See the farmland facts.
"It threatens the watershed"
Solar has zero chemical runoff, no septic, no fertilizers. It's safer for water than most land uses. See watershed facts.
"Solar farms are fire hazards"
The 2024 Castleton "fire" was a brush fire—zero panels damaged. See the fire myth debunked.
How to Learn More
- Official project website
- ORES permit documents (Case #21-02553)
- Friends of Columbia Solar
How to Support
If you support clean energy in Copake and Columbia County:
- Attend public hearings — Pro-solar voices matter
- Submit comments to ORES — Public input is part of the process
- Share the facts — Counter misinformation in your community
- Support this site — Help us reach more people