Solar Grid On Hommocks Hockey Rink Expands To Include More Homes

MAMARONECK, NY — Residents at the Hommocks Park Apartments were the first to be offered power from the one-of-a-kind community solar farm on the roof of Hommocks Ice Rink, but now, the program is open to more residents and businesses.

The solar array on the ice rink is large enough to serve 75 to 100 local residents and businesses.
Electricity from the Hommocks Community Solar farm was initially offered only to low and moderate income residents living in Hommocks Park Apartments and housing operated by the Washingtonville Housing Alliance. Participants in the Town of Mamaroneck’s Housing Voucher program were also eligible to join the Community Solar Program.

Officials announced they are now opening enrollment to all eligible residents and organizations in the Town of Mamaroneck, the Village of Mamaroneck and the Village of Larchmont.

“This project is a great example of a creative sustainability effort resulting in energy savings for residents, revenue for the Town from leasing the Ice Rink roof, and tax benefits for the solar developer,” Mamaroneck Town Supervisor Nancy Seligson explained. “Everyone benefits.”

Mamaroneck apartment dwellers will have their own community solar farm. (Jeff Edwards)

Community solar projects allow homeowners and renters to subscribe to a large solar installation located in their utility area. Energy produced from the solar farm is sent to the electric grid and reported to the utility. The utility lowers each subscriber’s bill by placing a credit on it for that household’s share of the value of the solar energy. Subscribers then pay the owner of the solar farm a discounted amount for that solar credit.

SEE ALSO: Solar Panels For Mamaroneck Apartments Will Use Hockey Rink Roof

"We’re thrilled with the focus on providing community solar benefits to renters who have previously been excluded from participating in solar energy programs," Sustainable Westchester Executive Director Nina Orville said. "Our proven outreach strategies deployed for other successful community solar projects will ensure that the town meets its sustainability and community development objectives.”

The Hommocks Rink solar project is a partnership between Sustainable Westchester, the Town of Mamaroneck Sustainability Collaborative and SunLight General Capital. Eligible residents can sign up to join the community solar farm online or by calling 914-242-4725 ext. 112 (ext. 105 for Spanish speakers).