71 Area Homes To Get Solar Power

Solarize Larchmont-Mamaroneck, a state-supported, community-wide campaign that reduced the cost of purchasing photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, has just ended, and succeeded in securing solar installations for 71 new homes and businesses, exceeding its original goal by over 40%.

The campaign, sponsored by NYSERDA and Solarize Westchester, was designed to enable households and businesses interested in solar-powered energy to take advantage of group purchasing discounts and special government subsidies. The campaign kicked off in Larchmont and Mamaroneck in February of 2015 as one of four sets of communities chosen in a competitive process to be pilot programs in the Solarize Westchester initiative.

Solarize Larchmont-Mamaroneck equaled or outperformed other Westchester communities taking part in the Solarize initiative, including Bedford/Mt. Kisco, Cortland/Croton and Ossining/Briarcliff, according to Solarize officials.

“The economics of going solar today are amazing, since we can save up to $1,000 per year right out of the gate,” said Larchmont resident Frank Owens, who will be purchasing PV solar panels for his Larchmont home. “What also makes this initiative so compelling is that we can take advantage of these savings without having to make any upfront payment, so it’s really a no-brainer.”

The combination of state and federal incentives and tax breaks and consortium pricing brought the cost of installation down to an unprecedented $6,000-$10,000, depending on the size of the property. Qualified customers will obtain low-interest (3.49%) financing to cover the up-front cost with no money down and on-bill financing. Systems on average pay for themselves in a short three to four years.

The Solarize Larchmont-Mamaroneck campaign generated huge community interest, with more leads than any other Westchester campaign. But according to Julia Steinmetz, Project Lead for Solarize Larchmont-Mamaroneck, only a lucky 20-25% of area households and businesses can take advantage of PV solar installations due to tree shading, slate roofs, roofs with multiple dormers, and house orientations that are not conducive to solar panel efficacy.

“The good news is that we’ve eliminated the cost barrier for households of every income level,” said Steinmetz, whose house was the first in Larchmont to have solar panels installed on it, back in 2005.

Though the initiative has currently wrapped up and some of the incentives may no longer be available, solar power is still likely a financial benefit for homeowners and businesses. Those interested in solar power can still schedule a free, no-obligation site visit by calling 914 762-7622, and can get more information by visiting www.solarizewestchester.com.