Renewable Energy 'First': New Solar Lights In Town Parking Lot

EAST HAMPTON, NY — East Hampton Town has taken strides toward a renewable energy "first," installing solar lights in the Amagansett municipal parking lot.

According to East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc, the four solar-powered lights are completely off grid, with batteries charged 100 percent by the sun. The initiative, he said, will save money on operational costs and provide soft, “dark-sky” compliant light

The installation marks the first use of solar lamp technology by the town in a municipal lot, officials said.

Earlier this summer, "an environment-saving, low-nitrogen septic system was installed at the public restroom at the same parking lot," officials said. The system reduces discharge of nitrogen, identified as a key pollutant of ground and surface waters, by 80 percent.

The Amagansett municipal lot is also among the locations where the town has installed electric car charging stations that are open to the public for use. There are four in the Amagansett lot, and six at East Hampton Town Hall.

All three installations reflect the Town of East Hampton’s commitment to environmental protection through use of advanced technologies and renewable energy sources, town officials said.