The Town of North Hempstead (TONH) will participate 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. Launched by Gov. Andrew 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. Last year Solarize campaigns saved participants a total of approximately $1.4 million on up-front 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 Gov. Cuomo’s New York-Sun Solarize initiative,” said TONH Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “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.”
Cuomo said last month that 900 solar projects are underway through 26 community Solarize campaigns across NY State, which are 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.
“By helping communities across the state install solar technologies, we are opening the door to opportunities that will lower household energy costs while protecting the environment into the future,” said Cuomo.
Through the Solarize campaign, the town will create partnerships with solar installers that have proven track records of quality workmanship, sound finances and local worker recruitment. The TONH’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 state median income, making this program 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. The program is for residents who live in unincorporated areas of the TONH. For more information or to place yourself on a waiting list, call 311 or 516-869-6311.
—Submitted by the TONH
