Copake NY

Shepherd's Run Solar Project in Copake, NY

A proposed 42 MW solar project that could power approximately 9,500 homes and generate significant tax revenue for the community.

Project Status: Proposed

Shepherd's Run is currently under review by the New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES). This page presents factual information about what is being proposed. Public comment hearings are scheduled for January 2026.

What's Being Proposed

Hecate Energy has proposed the Shepherd's Run Solar Farm, a 42-megawatt photovoltaic solar energy facility in the Town of Copake. The project was scaled down from an original 60 MW proposal.

  • Capacity reduced — From 60 MW to 42 MW
  • Smaller footprint — 215 acres of panels (down from 500 acres)
  • Agrivoltaics plan — Includes sheep grazing on approximately 73 acres
  • Location — Non-contiguous areas along Routes 23 and 7
42 MW
Proposed solar capacity
~9,500
Homes worth of power
70,000
MWh annually
~42,000
Tons CO2 offset per year

Potential Benefits for Copake

If approved and constructed, the Shepherd's Run project could bring several benefits:

  • Tax revenue — $5-7 million in total PILOT payments over the project lifetime, potentially $250,000+ annually for schools, town services, fire department, and library
  • Construction jobs — More than 120 temporary construction jobs during development
  • Clean energy — Equivalent to taking approximately 8,900 cars off the road annually
  • Preserved open space — Prevents residential or commercial development
  • No ongoing impacts — Silent operation with no traffic, emissions, or water consumption

Project Timeline

  • 2017 — Hecate Energy began developing the project
  • 2021 — Original 60 MW application filed with ORES (Case 21-02553)
  • October 2023 — Draft permit issued by ORES for original proposal
  • February 2024 — Original application dismissed after Hecate lost access to a parcel
  • December 2024 — New 42 MW application submitted to ORES
  • January 2026 — Public comment hearings scheduled

Public hearings scheduled:

  • Wednesday, January 21, 2026 — 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM at Copake Town Hall
  • Thursday, January 22, 2026 — 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM at Copake Town Hall
  • Tuesday, January 27, 2026 — 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM (virtual)

Town Resources

For residents seeking more information:

Understanding Community Concerns

Common concerns include impact on rural character, farmland preservation, and state override of local control. These are worth acknowledging.

At the same time, it's important to separate genuine concerns from misinformation:

  • Fire risk — Solar fires are extremely rare, and modern systems have extensive safety features
  • Property values — No evidence from existing projects shows property value decline
  • Toxic materials — Modern solar panels contain no hazardous substances that pose environmental risk
  • Noise pollution — Solar panels make no noise; inverters produce minimal hum

About Copake

The Town of Copake is located in the northeast corner of Columbia County, with a population of approximately 3,350 residents. The town is known for its scenic beauty, including Copake Lake and proximity to Taconic State Park.

Copake maintains a rural, agricultural character with a mix of working farms, woodlands, and residential areas. The town includes several hamlets including Copake, Craryville, and Copake Falls.

How to Stay Informed

  • Attend public hearings — Make your voice heard at the January 2026 sessions
  • Review project documents — Available through ORES and the Shepherd's Run website
  • Attend town board meetings — Stay informed about town discussions and decisions
  • Separate fact from fear — Focus on verified information from reliable sources
Columbia County Energy Community Solar Guide Solar FAQ