Solarize Peekskill Launches with Workshop March 15

PEEKSKILL, NY — Solarize Westchester has selected the City of Peekskill to participate in a solar discount program that makes installing solar electric systems simpler and more affordable for their residents and businesses.

The Solarize Peekskill program will launch with a workshop from 7-9 p.m. March 15 in the Neighborhood Center Room at the Peekskill Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave. where homeowners and commercial property owners can learn about the opportunity to go solar through the program.

Solarize Peekskill encourages increased adoption of solar electricity systems by offering lower installation costs through economies of scale. Group discounts offered by a pre-selected, qualified solar contractor are coupled with extensive community outreach and education to create awareness and build interest.

After a thorough pre-qualification and competitive application process, representatives of Peekskill, with the assistance of Solarize Westchester, have selected Ross Solar, aConEdison Solutions Company, as the designated residential solar contractor and Sunrise Solar Solutions as the designated commercial solar contractor.

Homeowners who sign up for solar installations by June 5, 2017 will be able to take advantage of group rates significantly below market prices. Commercial property owners can sign up for site visits until June 5 and have until October to sign a contract. All interested residential and commercial sign-ups will receive a free site assessment and consultation.

Peekskill Mayor Frank Catalina commented on the City’s excitement to “participate as one of three selected Westchester communities for the 2017 Solarize Westchester solar energy campaign” and “work with Solarize Westchester over the twelve-week outreach campaign to complement current City efforts focused on sustainability and progressive action.”

“‘Solarize Peekskill’ will directly connect City residents and business owners with solar industry leaders in order to gain information and access to the financial benefits of alternative energy through group purchasing," he said.

Additionally, City Manager Richard Leins expressed his enthusiasm in welcoming a successful Solarize campaign to Peekskill.

“Solarize Peekskill presents an exciting opportunity for residents and local businesses to explore solar energy systems," Leins said. "In my experience, the Solarize Westchester program provides valuable information sessions and technical assistance to interested participants in order to realize tangible financial and environmental benefits.”

Prior Solarize Westchester campaigns have averaged 50 signed contracts per campaign. Solarize Peekskill is expected to be equally successful. To date, approximately 100 solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have been installed throughout Peekskill. Solarize Peekskill aims to match if not exceed previous campaign contract goals through its offerings for residential and small commercial PV systems.

Solarize Peekskill is part of the latest round of Solarize Westchester campaigns, a public-private partnership designed to make residential and small commercial solar energy systems more accessible and affordable for homeowners and commercial property owners in Westchester County. In the two previous rounds, Solarize Westchester ran a total of eight Solarize campaigns in partnership with 16 municipalities. These resulted in over 400 contracts for new solar electric systems representing over 3.7 megawatts of solar power capacity.

Current Solarize Westchester campaigns are being offered to Westchester communities by Sustainable Westchester, through Abundant Efficiency, which administers the program. Technical support is provided by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority under Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's NY-Sun initiative, which is a $1 billion investment in solar power through 2023 to significantly expand solar installations.

More information about Solarize Peekskill can be found by clicking here or by contacting the solar contractors listed above. Or go to the workshop next week: 7-9 p.m. March 15 in the Neighborhood Center Room at the Peekskill Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave.