The New York Power Authority (NYPA), in partnership with Sustainable Westchester and Westchester County, selected Ecogy Energy and two other developers to develop solar energy projects under the Westchester Community Solar Partnership (WCSP).
Sustainable Westchester, the designated community solar acquisition provider for the WCSP, will collaborate with Ecogy Energy to enrol residents, with focus on low-to-moderate income individuals and affordable housing communities.
"Many homeowners are ineligible to install solar on their homes for a host of reasons, including that they may be renting a property, have too much shade, poor roof conditions, or because of financial restrictions. However, Community Solar is designed to be accessible for all communities and residents, bringing them financial rewards and environmental improvements. We are proud and excited to be partnering with NY-based Ecogy and once again with Sustainable Westchester on an innovative cost and energy-saving initiative," said Westchester County Executive George Latimer.
Ecogy Energy is securing preliminary agreements with the first municipality and has secured approval for a Con Edison interconnection as well as incentives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Community Distributed Generation projects can help governments and schools to support renewable energy developments that can avoid the inequitable distribution of power and ensure supply of renewable energy to those who many not have the finances, space, time or development experience to support their own solar PV system.
The WCSP will provide access to clean energy through a subscription and a guaranteed discount for subscribers of up to 10% on earned solar credits. The municipalities hosting the solar arrays will receive site lease payments.
"NYPA and Westchester County are actively pursuing innovative and inclusive renewable energy solutions for municipalities and communities that want to provide energy savings to their constituents," said NYPA Interim President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. "Prioritizing the underserved is a key project element we focus on as part of our role in helping to realize the state's bold clean energy transition. Community partnerships will serve as a blueprint for renewable energy development for years to come and we are hopeful that our best-in-class examples here in New York State will serve to inspire the rest of the nation."
New York has about 3.8 GW of installed solar power capacity statewide, ranking it near the top 10 nationally, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. The state expects to add as much as 8.3 GW over the next five years, according to SEIA.
