Fifteen Counties Included in NEW Solarize Project
LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY – Today marks the beginning of a new, first of its kind community solar Solarize campaign from RenewableNY. With an exclusive focus on supporting and expanding community solar--solar farms that deliver energy to owners or subscribers throughout a given area--the campaign will run in 15 Mid-Hudson Valley and Southern Tier counties. This is the first Solarize program to focus only on community solar and to operate on a scale this large in New York, and anyone can learn more and sign up at renewableny.org.
“The solar market in New York State is strong. While not everyone is able to put solar panels on their roofs, there are options for everyone to reduce their carbon footprint, save money and go solar today. Community solar, sometimes known as “shared solar”, is a great way to expand access to solar energy for all,” said Katherine Nadeau, RenewableNY’s program director. “This model allows an entire community to benefit from a solar farm. You don't need to be a property owner or even have a rooftop to subscribe to a community solar project-- renters, condo dwellers, small and large businesses, non-profits, churches and other institutions are all eligible to participate. You just need to have an electric bill, and a desire to save.”
Through the Solarize campaign, community members can expect to learn about how community solar works, get connected with local solar farms, and see lower energy bills. Local nonprofit organizations, solar experts and shared solar developers, alongside your volunteer neighbors, will lead educational workshops in each participating county.
RenewableNY is a nonprofit partnership funded by NYSERDA for three years of Solarize programming. The group is led by Catskill Mountainkeeper, and coordinates in partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition, and Sustainable Hudson Valley. Together they serve 15 counties in the Mid-Hudson and Southern Tier Regions of New York.
For the community solar campaign, RenewableNY has partnered with Delaware River Solar, Nexamp, and Renovous Solar. The developers were selected after a competitive process, and will be working with the campaign to sign up customers in their respective service territories.
Counties that will be a part of this cutting-edge program include: Tioga, Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Tompkins, Schuyler, Chemung, Steuben, Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Rockland and Putnam Counties
This community solar program is coming on the heels of a very successful residential Solarize campaign, having hosted over 175 community solar education events, installed more than 4.5 MW of solar capacity, and worked closely with elected officials and governing bodies, community based organizations, chambers of commerce and economic development agencies throughout the state.
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Media Contact:
RHONDA BELLUSO
Communications Director, RenewableNY
(518) 925-0522
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 26, 2017
