Maryknoll Installs Parking-Lot Solar Panel Canopies

OSSINING, NY — Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers, along with local and state officials, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday to celebrate the completion of their innovative and community-focused solar canopy system.

The 2,184-panel system consists of 12 canopies over two parking lots.

The power it generates offsets part of Maryknoll’s energy consumption with renewable energy while providing clean energy access and electricity bill discounts to local community members.

“As Maryknoll Missioners, we hold environmentalism very close to our hearts, as this is God’s Earth,” said Maryknoll’s Superior General, Father Raymond Finch in a news release. “The stewardship of our environment is critical to continuance, just as self-preservation is critical to our own survival and that of our community. We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to provide clean resources to the community and contribute to saving our planet.”

The canopy solar project provides Maryknoll with covered parking, downward-facing LED parking lot lighting to increase nighttime security and a visible green initiative— all while extending 10 percent electricity-bill discounts to Maryknoll and local community members through community solar.

Also, because it's built on already existing infrastructure, it does not add impermeable surfaces.

By sharing the power generation with neighbors, Maryknoll provides an entry into clean energy for those who are not able to finance their own system or simply do not have the space to install it — thereby ensuring that access to clean energy is equitable and inclusive, Maryknoll officials said.

“Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers has been an integral contributor to our community in the form of outreach, charitable action, diversity and inclusion education, and so much more,” said Dana Levenberg, Ossining Town Supervisor. “Maryknoll has always been a pillar of light to those in need and so it seems only fitting that community-accessible clean electricity powered by the sun is their latest step on their mission."

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers has a history of stewardship initiatives to reduce the Society’s ecological footprint on the property originally known as Sunset Hill. For many years, the entire campus has been powered by wind-generated energy. Other improvements include updated heating and electrical systems, insulation improvements, hybrid vehicles for the Missioners, recycled paper for their print shop, and many more sustainability advancements.

Maryknoll chose Brooklyn-based developer, financier, and owner-operator Ecogy Energy for the solar panel project.

The clean energy generated by this system is available for use via Ecogy’s community solar subscription program. Ecogy’s program enables the surrounding community to access clean energy with a simple subscription process, no cost to sign up, no cancellation fees, and a guaranteed 10 percent discount for subscribers.

“All of us at Ecogy Energy would like to extend our gratitude to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers for giving us the opportunity to partner with such an esteemed and revered institution,” Ecogy Principal Jack Bertuzzi said in the announcement. “We have faith in the ability of community solar to ensure that benefits of the clean energy transition extend to all those who wish to be a part."

Ecogy and Maryknoll worked with Sustainable Westchester, a nonprofit consortium of Westchester County local governments that facilitates effective collaboration on sustainability initiatives. Sustainable Westchester played a pivotal role in developing the solar system by aiding in subscribing 30 percent of the system capacity with surrounding community households.

“Sustainable Westchester has been working to develop renewable energy programs across Westchester County in support of New York State's nation-leading climate goals. This unique project will help to accelerate that work, support renewable energy through equitable solar generation, and further the transition to a clean energy future,” said Sustainable Westchester’s Director of Solar Programs, Leo Wiegman.

Ecogy hired New York builder and public benefit corporation GreenSpark Solar to carry out installation of the solar arrays. Company officials said it was a prime example of how solar development can create local jobs and foster economic growth during a time when many communities are facing extreme challenges from the coronavirus pandemic.

"At GreenSpark, we place a tremendous value on ensuring that the benefits of clean energy projects, like this, are benefiting those most in need," said GreenSpark Solar CEO Kevin Schulte. "This project directly supports the mission of service for Maryknoll and the Town of Ossining.”

The solar system is funded by NY-Sun, a state incentive program that is accelerating New York's transition into a future driven by renewable energy through partnerships with NYSERDA and multiple state power authorities. This renewable energy system will directly contribute to the 21,891,036 MWh of renewable energy generation produced by the program to date.