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Town Announces Participation in NY State’s Community “Solarize” Campaign


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 3, 2016
MEDIA CONTACTS: Carole Trottere, Rebecca Cheng, Sam Marksheid, and Vicki DiStefano | (516) 869-7794

Town Announces Participation in NY State’s Community “Solarize” Campaign

Program is designed to get more homes and businesses to install solar and lower energy costs


North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board have announced that the Town will be one of 31 groups participating in the New York-Sun “Solarize” campaign in 2016, aimed at getting more homes and businesses to install solar, and begin saving money on their energy bills. Joining the Town in this effort will be 11 municipalities, 18 not-for-profit organizations and a private entity.

Launched by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in December 2014, New York’s “Solarize” initiative is a collaboration between the State and local communities designed to simplify purchasing and to obtain discounts for participants on solar projects. 2015 Solarize campaigns saved participants a total of approximately $1.4 million on upfront purchase costs for solar, for an average of approximately $1,590 per residential or business project.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Governor Cuomo’s New York-Sun ‘Solarize’ initiative,” Supervisor Bosworth said. “Here in the Town of North Hempstead we are committed to providing renewable energy resources for our residents and businesses that lower costs for them while reducing our carbon footprint. The success of this program to this point speaks for itself and we look forward to being a part of it moving forward.”

Governor Cuomo said last month that 900 solar projects are already underway through 26 community “Solarize” campaigns across New York State which is part of a $1 billion initiative to advance the scale-up of solar energy and move the state closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry.

“New York is blazing the trail when it comes to transitioning to sustainable energy practices and building a clean energy economy,” said Governor Cuomo. “By helping communities across the state install solar technologies, we are opening the door to new opportunities that will lower household energy costs while protecting the environment years into the future.”

Through the Solarize campaign, the Town will create partnerships with Solar Installers that have proven track records of quality workmanship, sound finances, and who employ local workers. “The purpose of this campaign is to help Town residents and businesses partner with solar companies that have good track records,” said Erin Reilley, Chief Sustainability Officer for the Town. “Property owners often don’t know what questions to ask when they are looking for solar companies- and the Solarize campaign lets the Town compare financial terms, warranties, and products, and check customer references on their behalf.”

North Hempstead’s campaign includes participation in New York’s Affordable Solar program, which doubles NY-Sun incentives for households earning less than 80 percent of the area or state median income, making this program particularly attractive for those of all income levels.

The Town will roll out the campaign this spring, when property owners will be able to sign up for free solar power assessments. This program is only for residents who live in unincorporated areas of the Town of North Hempstead.

For more information on the program or to place yourself on a waiting list for the campaign, please call 311 or (516) 869-6311.




  

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