Sachem Patch's Sustainable Energy Series

Welcome. This is the first step of summer long series aimed at shedding light onto the current, and future state of renewable energy technology, energy-effiency measures, and sustainable energy practices in Sachem. Many areas of renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE), will be explored in the coming weeks, specifically solar power.  

What is already known about these topics, based on a random sampling survey, is that there is overwhelming interest in RE amongst Sachem residents. There are also many questions, uncertainties and things to learn about clean energy.

For instance, out of 50 residents surveyed at three locations in Ronkonkoma and Holbrook (a supermarket, hardware store, and the public library) not one person could name a RE project in Sachem. In fact, only 12 people could identify a RE project on Long Island.

Of course, that doesn't mean they don't exist. Hundreds drive past the photovoltaic (PV) solar system atop the Lake Grove Village Hall on Hawkins Avenue in Lake Grove everyday. Dozens more pass by homes in Lake Ronkonkoma, Farmingville, and Holtsville where residential PV solar systems already exist. And even more Sachem residents work for RE and EE companies in the area and across Long Island.

By profiling some of these projects, companies, and people, this series will introduce Sachem residents to clean energy through the stories of other Sachem residents. This series will also tackle the number one issue on residents' minds about clean energy – money.

In total, 70 percent of those surveyed listed cost as the top reason why RE is not currently more abound in Sachem (education and awareness was the second most given answer).

Sure a PV solar system can cost thousands of dollars, but there are dozens of EE measures that can be taken to save money and cash in on the clean energy movement starting right now.

One way is by contacting National Energy Audits, the nation's leading full-service energy audit and solutions company. This company's sole mission is to save homeowners money on energy costs. Even more interesting about this company, it was founded by Sachem graduates and houses its corporate office in Ronkonkoma.

Another way to save money beginning now, is by taking advantage of the rebates offered by the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). While it is widely known that LIPA offers rebates and tax incentives for PV solar systems, they also offer rebates and promotions for EE measures such as the recycling of old refrigerators, the instillation of light bulbs, new pool pumps, and more.

If you would like to get a head start on the series, visit the useful terms index that will be updated as the series progresses. Another way to familiarize yourself with the topic at hand is to visit the web site of some local companies (sunsolarproducts.com) as well as by introducing yourself to councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld and councilman John H. Edwards, the respective heads of Brookhaven and Islip's Clean Energy Task Force and Committee.

Though not in the Sachem area, another leader in the clean energy movement, and a wonderful resource for information, is Renewable Energy Long Island (RELI), a member-based, non-for-profit organization located in East Hampton. RELI's annual green guide is a top notch resource for all Long Islanders.