As part of CCE’s program to encourage the development of renewable energy, CCE strongly supports further solar development; particularly since the peak electricity demands coincide with the peak output of solar power during the sun drenched summer months. Below, please find resources highlighting our recent work to advance solar energy policy:
Brookhaven National Lab Solar Project
A very exciting large scale solar project is currently underway in Eastern Long Island at the Brookhaven National Lab (BNL). The project, expected to be completed in 2011 is to be supported by BP Solar, the Long Island Power Authority, and BNL and will be located on site at BNL. On 195 acres, this project will generate approximately 37 megawatts of power which is enough to power 4,700 homes making it the first of its kind not only in New York State, but in the nation. This project will create hundreds of jobs, avoid the release of thousands of tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and work to secure New York as a pioneer in solar technologies. This project works towards meeting the New York and Federal goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20% by 2020 by using renewable energy.
NYPA and LIPA commit to expand solar power
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) have initiated efforts to significantly increasing solar power capacity in the state. NYPA has committed to a public-private partnership for the installation of up to 100 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic systems, including roof-mounted and ground-mounted PV arrays, at municipal facilities, public and private schools and government buildings throughout the state. LIPA’s Solar Energy Project will introduce approximately 50MW of clean renewable energy generated on Long Island onto LIPA’s electric grid, enough to power 6,500 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 45,300 tons per year as well as reducing other pollutants such as NOX and SOX emissions. When both projects are complete, these projects will elevate New York’s rank to the state with the second highest installed PV capacity. CCE strongly supports these efforts and continues to advocate for more solar power capacity throughout the state.
Two Bills Encouraging Solar Energy Signed by Governor Pataki
Governor Pataki signs S.5252/A.8263 and S.4962-A/A.8263 into law. CCE Executive Director Adrienne Esposito is second from left.
On August 1, 2005, Governor Pataki signed two bills into law to encourage solar energy development. The bills, both sponsored by Senator Owen Johnson and Assemblyman DiNapoli, exempt purchasers of solar energy systems from state sales tax and allow localities to make local sales tax exempt and raise the amount of money that can be deducted from income taxes through purchasing solar power systems.
LIPA Solar Energy Announcement
Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) announces its Solar Pioneer Program. To help protect the environment and promote clean energy alternatives, the program offers discounted installation of equipment, LIPA financing and a New York State tax credit toward the total cost of a home photovoltaic (PV) system.
Benefits to homeowners include the ability to sell excess energy production back to LIPA as well as substantial reductions in pollutants on the way to clean, green energy on Long Island. To find out more about LIPA's Solar Pioneer Program, call LIPA's EnergyWise Infoline at 1-800-692-2626 or visit the LIPA Solar program website.
Online Resource for Installing Solar Panels in Your Home
Are you interested in installing electric solar panels on your New York home or business? learn how to find installers that service your part of the state.
Updated by bsmith 3/31/10