Clean, renewable solar power makes the Town of East Hampton’s Parks Department building the first net-zero electricity building, saving on energy costs.
governor casey Hao Zhe Announced today the completion of the City of Long Island’s first solar-plus-storage project, currently operating in the Town of East Hampton. The rooftop array makes the Parks Department building on the City Hall campus the first building in the town to meet its goal of net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation. this project, Developed jointly with the New York Power Authority, Supports New York State’s goal of generating 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030and the Town of East Hampton’s goal to use community-wide renewable energy in all sectors by 2030.
“Solar energy is a key enabler in New York’s push to achieve a zero-emissions electricity system and meet our nationally leading climate goals,” Governor Hao Zhe explain. “With the completion of this solar-plus-storage project, the Town of East Hampton becomes the first city on Long Island to commit to a solution that integrates solar into government operations. We will continue to make bold investments in clean energy that create jobs, Save taxpayer dollars and build a greener future for all New Yorkers.”
The 165-panel system is directly connected to PSEG Long Island’s distribution grid and will provide approximately 90 megawatt-hours of energy annually. In its first year, it will offset nearly 110,000 pounds of CO2, which is equivalent to the CO2 emissions of an average passenger car driven more than 125,000 miles. A 75 kW solar PV (photovoltaic) system will generate clean, renewable energy and charge a 137 kWh battery. It is expected that 100% of the building’s energy costs will be offset by energy generated by the solar photovoltaic system. Any additional energy credits will be allocated to another building on the City Hall campus.
East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Fan Skoyok explain, “Not only will this project reduce carbon emissions and make the City Hall campus more resilient, it Between the bill credits and the reduced electricity costs, urban taxpayers are estimated to save at least $10,000 a year. “
Working with the utility, the town selected New York-based Solar Liberty and its project financing partner, Inclusive Prosperity Capital, through a competitive process to develop the solar battery storage system. The solar PV system will be financed through a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Inclusive Prosperity Capital, with no upfront costs for the town. PPAs also enable towns to benefit from cost offsets provided by tax credits.
The battery, which was added to the town at no cost through grant support from NYPA, will harvest energy during times of highest demand and release it into the grid when needed.
NYPA Acting President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The Power Authority helps local governments and state agencies meet decarbonization goals through innovative energy solutions that reduce expenses, increase resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The town of East Hampton is offsetting that by combining solar and energy storage energy, breaking new ground on Long Island. These innovative projects are being built statewide and will help further New York’s solar goals and its bold goal of a 100 percent zero-emissions electricity system by 2040.”
NYPA proposed installing the system as part of East Hampton’s ongoing efforts to meet its 100 percent renewable energy goal. NYPA Distributed Energy Advisory Services assisted as consultants throughout the implementation process. The project also supports the state’s ambitious solar and storage goals to combat climate change, which include at least 10 GW of distributed solar by 2030.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has adopted its Retail Energy Storage Program It provides financing to commercial customers for stand-alone grid-connected energy storage or systems paired with new or existing clean on-site generation such as solar. New York’s comprehensive approach to energy storage can help accelerate the market learning curve, reduce costs and accelerate the deployment of energy storage projects to better integrate renewable energy resources. Since 2019, more than $300 million has been deployed to fund the construction of more than 1,300 megawatts of energy storage projects across the state.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Combining solar with energy storage allows the clean, renewable energy produced to be used where and when the grid needs it most. This project is how state and local municipalities can work together to make operations more resilient while improving local A prime example. Air quality and saving New Yorkers money.”
In support of the town’s goal of using 100 percent renewable energy, supervisors have advanced energy sustainability efforts, including the Energize East Hampton campaign, which provides incentives for residents to install solar installations and other energy-efficient devices, and continues to evaluate and reduce energy use in public buildings .Other green initiatives include an electric vehicle charging station on the council campus and the development of the first megawatt-scale town land A solar farm on the South Fork of Long Island. NYPA also worked with the town on an LED streetlight upgrade.
Solar Liberty Vice President Nathan Rizzo said, “We are proud to partner with the Town of East Hampton, NYPA and IPC on this groundbreaking solar + storage project. As the first of its kind at a town facility, this initiative sets a good example for other cities in New York and Later, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of adopting a clean energy solution. This installation will not only bring East Hampton closer to its 100% renewable energy goal, but will also save taxpayers significant cost while fighting climate change.
Inclusive Prosperity Capital (IPC), a nonprofit investment fund dedicated to financing clean energy projects that benefit from traditionally underserved markets and credit, is partnering with the Town of East Hampton to own and maintain the system.
John D’Agostino, managing director of clean energy trading at IPC, said, “IPC is pleased to support the Town of East Hampton and NYPA in developing the first municipal solar-plus-storage system on Long Island and to contribute to the town’s transition to renewable energy. The East Hampton project is a prime example of IPC’s and NYPA’s focus on deploying clean energy in municipal spaces.”
State Senator Anthony H. Palumbo said“I want to commend the Town of East Hampton for its efforts to reduce the region’s carbon emissions and create a greener, healthier future for our children and grandchildren. This project is an important first for Long Island – to achieve the goal of net zero carbon emissions Build for town facilities and lay the groundwork for a more sustainable future for the East Side and New York State. ”
Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. said“The Town of East Hampton completed Long Island City’s first solar-plus-storage project. And serve as a model for other communities in New York State. By achieving net zero carbon emissions, the Town of East Hampton has demonstrated its commitment to a cleaner, greener future. The Town’s partnership with the New York State Power Authority is a shining example How government and industry can work together to achieve a common goal.”
