Solar developer Nexamp completed a 2.6-MW community solar project in Seneca, New York, its latest in the state, of which 1 MW will be used to provide no-cost solar subscriptions in New York State Electric and Gas Corporation’s (NYSEG) utility territory.
Nexamp Seneca was one of nine projects awarded contracts last December under the first round of the state’s Solar for All program. The project supports Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Green New Deal and proposed a mandate for 70% of the state’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030 and complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development.
“As New York builds on its aggressive efforts to combat climate change under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, NYSERDA is proud to be advancing the Solar for All program to make sure our most underserved homeowners and renters have greater access to renewable energy sources like solar,” said Alicia Barton, president and CEO, NYSERDA. “Nexamp and other Solar for All developers continue to make solar a reality for more New Yorkers.”
Administered by NYSERDA as part of Governor Cuomo’s $1 billion NY-Sun program, Solar for All is designed to provide no-cost community solar to 10,000 low-income homeowners and renters in support of the state’s ongoing efforts to make renewable energy more accessible to all New Yorkers. Solar For All offers eligible low-income households the opportunity to subscribe to a community solar project in their area without any upfront costs or participation fees. Through the Solar for All program, the Nexamp Seneca project will reserve approximately 20% of project capacity, up to 1 MW, for eligible homeowners and renters to subscribe.
“Making the benefits of solar accessible to everyone is core to our mission as a company,” said Zaid Ashai, CEO of Nexamp, “so being selected as a NYSERDA Solar for All partner is a meaningful achievement for us. New York is leading the way in its commitment to carbon-free electricity, and community solar promises to be a central part of the solution. Deploying local, renewable resources that enable that all residents, regardless of income, to participate and reduce their energy costs is a goal that Nexamp and NYSERDA share.”
Eligibility for Solar for All is based on a resident’s location, household income and annual electric usage. www.nyserda.ny.gov/solarforall.
Customers not eligible for the Solar for All program can subscribe through Nexamp directly www.solarforny.com.
Nexamp expects to have more than 20 community solar farms operating or under construction throughout New York by the end of 2019. The company, which owns and operates solar projects across the country, addresses the entire community solar project lifecycle, from design and construction through ongoing maintenance, operations, and customer management.
mary j comardo says
I am concerned that the actual cost of my electric bill is actually the $73.43 that I ipay every month just to have electric service. My actual electric usage is less that one half of that. Getting 10% off my bill usage is about $3.00. How is that an incentive? I care very much that solar and wind power become viable sources of energy but truly – the real problem in families making ends meet is getting rid of the monopoly of these large power companies. We are held hostage by them unless we get our own solar panels and windmills. This solution is far out of the financial range of most. I thought that years ago were were supposed to break up these corporations to force them into offering lower prices. Guess that did not happen? My delivery cost has doubled in the last 10 years and I STILL lose power constantly. They finally replaced an ancient transformer after a massive storm several years ago. Before that – this area lost power monthly. I am afraid you need to do more than $3.00 a month to entice me to even bother. Good try though.