Shake-N-Go Fashion, a designer of and wholesale distributor of comfortable human and synthetic hair products, along with EnterSolar, a New York-based provider of solar solutions to commercial enterprises, and PSEG Long Island announced the completion of a 900-kW rooftop solar system at its Port Washington headquarters. Elected officials, PSEG Long Island executives and Shake-N-Go employees gathered for a ribbon-cutting to commemorate this significant project for Shake-N- Go and Nassau County, which was made possible, in part, through funding from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s NY-Sun Initiative.

The 900-kW solar system, will reduce Shake-N-Go’s dependence on the grid by generating 96% of the total annual electricity needs of the Port Washington facility. Going solar provides significant environmental benefits to Shake-N-Go, the village of Port Washington and the greater Nassau County area communities, by reducing the release of CO2 emissions by approximately 770,000 pounds annually (generating enough to power over 54 typical homes for a year or the equivalent of saving over 44,000 gallons of gas per year).

Shake-N-Go has a long history of commitment to its Port Washington community. The company has been previously recognized by the Village for its commitment to environmental efficiencies in its headquarters building and for the inclusion of gardens in its design. The Company is noted in the area for the planting of 6,000 tulips each year which contribute to the area’s beauty. In addition to its environmental commitment, Shake-N-Go embraces its responsibility to partner with neighboring businesses, and in particular, partners with local restaurants to provide lunch for 250 employees each day, and in turn, making a significant commitment to the local economy.

“While our business focuses around fashion and trends, an investment in the environment is not. It is about commitment. It is about protecting the environment that we are currently borrowing from future generations. And it is our duty to protect it and return it to them,” said James Kim, CEO of Shake-N-Go, Model Model Hair and Mayde Beauty.

This project was supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) through Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s $1 billion NY-Sun initiative, which is advancing the scale-up of solar and moving New York State closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry. NY-Sun supports the Governor’s nation-leading mandate for 50% of the state’s electricity to come from renewable resources by 2030.

Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA, said, “I applaud Shake-N-Go for its leadership in showing how manufacturers can reduce operating costs and help protect the environment by making clean energy technology part of their business model. This project helps New York advance Governor Cuomo’s ambitious energy and climate goals while making the Port Washington community greener and cleaner.”

EnterSolar worked with Shake-N-Go from end to end on the project, including financing structures, engineering, installation and project management.

“This project is exemplary in a number of ways, but the dedication of Shake-N-Go’s team, and their sincere interest in doing what is best for their business and their community really stands out,” said Paul Ahern, president, EnterSolar. “We were delighted to partner with Shake-N-Go, in our own backyard, to make this important commitment to sustainability.”

“We are proud of our investment in our community,” added Young Ryoo, general manager, Shake-N-Go. “Working with EnterSolar, PSEG, and the Village of Port Washington to enable this resource benefits not only our company, but our employees, our customers and our neighbors.”

News item from EnterSolar