Town is partnering with solar companies to offer residents and businesses the opportunity to go solar

North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, the Town’s Office of Sustainability and the Town Board are proud to announce the launch of the Solarize North Hempstead campaign.

Through the Solarize campaign, the Town has partnered with New York State to identify solar companies that will provide free site assessments and special incentives and discounts to Town property owners. They will also educate property owners about the benefits of going solar, assist them with permitting, and provide the documents needed for tax rebates. The program is available to business and residential property owners in the unincorporated areas of the Town until December 31, 2016.

After an extensive pre-qualification process, the Town has selected SUNation Solar Systems of Ronkonkoma and SunPower by EmPower Solar of Island Park for residential installation, and SUNation Solar Systems (Ronkonkoma) and GreenLogic of Roslyn Heights for commercial installations.

“We know that many property owners don’t know where to start when they want to install solar panels,” said Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “The Solarize initiative is a great way for us to help our local businesses and residents make contact with reputable local companies, and to install solar energy at low cost.”

The Town provides residents with the tools they need to upgrade their homes’ energy efficiency through the Long Island Green Homes program, and the Solarize program will help homeowners and businesses get their energy from renewable resources. Both programs are designed to help property owners save money on their energy investments.

“The most important thing that property owners can do to reduce their impact on the climate is to reduce their energy use, and then make sure that their energy is coming from a local, carbon- free source,” said Erin Reilley, Chief Sustainability Officer for the Town.

Information about the Solarize program can be found at www.northhempsteadny.gov/Solarize. Solarize North Hempstead will kick off at North Hempstead’s BeachFeast on Saturday, September 17 at 12 p.m. where representatives from the Solarize partner companies will be present to inform residents and local business owners about the Solarize program and how they can sign up.

Solarize North Hempstead is supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's NY-Sun initiative. NY-Sun will invest up to $1 billion in solar power through 2023 to significantly expand solar installations across the State.

The selected installers are excited to work with the Town on this program.

“Sun Power by EmPower Solar is honored to have been selected by North Hempstead to provide its residents with the world’s most powerful solar panels and battery backup solutions.  Our entire team is ready to deliver Solarize participants more savings now and over time, and provide an amazing customer experience throughout” said David Schieren, CEO of SunPower by Empower Solar.

Albert Harsch, Energy Consultant & Public Relations for GreenLogic remarked, “GreenLogic is proud to be chosen for the commercial side of Solarize North Hempstead program.  The Town of North Hempstead's efforts in improving the economic well-being and environmental impact of the community should be applauded.”

“SUNation is proud to have been chosen for both the Solarize North Hempstead Residential and Commercial Solar Programs. We are excited to help home and business owners expertly design and install solar at group discounted rates well below market price.  SUNation is delighted to work with North Hempstead in leading the way to a cleaner greener future,” said Mike Bailis, Co-Founder and Chief Sales Officer for SUNation Solar Systems, Inc.

Property owners who sign contracts with installers by December 31, 2016 will be able to take advantage of the Solarize program pricing.

Through the Long Island Green Homes program, all Town residents are eligible for free or reduced-cost energy audits, and for assistance with incentives and rebates to perform energy efficiency work on their homes. Information about the Long Island Green Homes program is found at http://www.longislandgreenhomes.org or by calling 1-800-567-2850.

For more information about Solarize North Hempstead please visit: www.northhempsteadny.gov/solarize or call 516-869-6311.