Almost Half Of Projects In NY Solarize Program Are In The Hudson Valley

Almost half of the 850 solar projects that have been installed or are in development in communities across New York State through the second round of locally-organized "Solarize" campaigns are taking place in the Hudson Valley. Launched in December 2014, New York's Solarize program is an important component in supporting the State's Clean Energy Standard, which requires that 50 percent of the electricity in New York come from renewable sources by 2030.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority provided $700,000 in technical and marketing support in the first two rounds of the Solarize program, in 2015 and 2016. Projects in rounds one and two total 13.46 megawatts of installed solar and will save participants a total of $2.9 million on upfront purchase costs, for an average savings of $1,743 per installation.

In round two, five campaigns in the Hudson Valley involving Solarize Sullivan, Solarize Wappingers, Solarize Northern Dutchess, Solarize Saugerties, Solarize Nyack Plus; Solarize Hastings-Dobbs Ferry; Solarize Rye Brook; Solarize Somers-New Castle; and Solarize Tarrytown, produced 395 projects with 3,146 total kilowatts of power.

"New York continues to see unprecedented growth in the solar energy industry across the state, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing jobs, and driving economic growth," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. "By helping residents and businesses install solar energy panels, we are reducing costs for consumers and fueling the clean energy economy in New York for years to come."

His remarks were made at an event in Brownsville, Brooklyn, where more than 200 homes have been outfitted with solar panels as part of the "Solarize Brownsville" campaign. Solarize Brownsville brought together community partners, local residents, and the selected solar installer to successfully demonstrate that solar power can make an impact in low- to moderate-income communities.

Solarize campaigns bring together groups of potential solar customers, including low-to-moderate income participants, through widespread outreach and education and help customers choose solar companies that offer competitive, transparent pricing.

Campaigns are managed by partnerships that include community officials, elected officials, municipalities and businesses. Communities engaged in Solarize campaigns are able to simplify the procurement and installation of solar panels and obtain discounts through aggregated purchases.

The campaigns generally run between six and nine months, including planning and outreach. By educating the local community, streamlining marketing efforts and aggregating customers, Solarize campaigns help make solar a more accessible and affordable energy option for homeowners and businesses.

PHOTO: rev.ny.gov