STATEN ISLAND, NY — If your business naturally benefits from an abundance of sunlight, has a flat and spacious roof, or if your property contains a lot of open, clear space, the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC ) wants to connect. A new solar panel installation program could be a good match for your business and the community.
“The criteria for this initiative is pretty straightforward: Priority sites include structures that have a large, flat surface to help reflect the sun, or possibly a spacious parking lot that could use a roof,” said Niles French, senior vice president of projects for the SIEDC. “We’ve already looked at a handful of sites that meet these conditions, but we’re absolutely looking for more.”
As part of a partnership with Crauderueff Solar and OYA Solar, two companies with strong track records in developing solar projects in North America, the project aims to deploy community solar and battery storage facilities throughout the county, with a specific focus on disadvantaged neighborhoods. The last goal? A just transition to renewable energy that results in at least 2 megawatts (MW) of community solar power and 100 low-to-middle income (LMI) subscribers on Staten Island.
“We are pleased to contribute to SIEDC’s mission of supporting responsible and sustainable development of underserved communities on Staten Island,” says Manish Nayar, Founder and CEO of OYA Solar. “OYA Solar looks forward to developing these solar projects, further reinforcing our commitment to providing equitable access to local, clean and affordable energy for low- to moderate-income businesses and neighborhoods.”
Island Charter, a bus company in Bloomfield, was also selected for the program, thanks to its ample parking and abundance of land. (Photo courtesy of SIEDC)
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) recently awarded a $125,000 grant in support of this project through its Affordable Solar Energy and Storage Predevelopment and Technical Assistance Program, which aims to address barriers to solar and energy storage facilities that benefit LMI households not served by traditional on-site residential solar.
Five main results are expected from the collaboration:
— A municipality-wide Master Plan opportunities analysis, which resulted in the creation of an inventory of existing solar and storage sites, and a survey of SIEDC members and large landowners to establish a baseline and identify potential first solar power users.
— Education and capacity building of at least 50 owners throughout the municipality, setting the stage for the first 2MW of solar leases and many additional MW to be developed throughout the municipality.
— Secure 2MW of lease commitments and develop partnerships with project lenders and investors for at least one Staten Island site.
— Development of community-based solar opportunities for LMI areas, including multiple affordable housing providers, sharing information and options available to those communities.
— A final roadmap report, as final recommendations added to the master plan, to replicate and scale community solar + storage + LMI subscriptions countywide.
The analysis began in February and should take about a year to complete. The topic will be further discussed at SIEDC’s “Energy Summit,” which is planned for late 2022. Commercial properties that have already signed up for the initiative include Rab’s Country Lanes and Island Charter. Zion Lutheran Church will also be part of the program.
French said the benefits to participating businesses are many, including lower utility rates and higher property values. Inclusion in such a program will also allow building owners to get ahead of the New York City Carbon Emissions Law (Local Law 97) which will require large commercial buildings in New York to comply with carbon emission limits to 2024 or pay fines.
“Not every site is perfect or eligible, but we encourage business owners to reach out so we can do a smooth analysis,” French concluded. “We can identify challenges, such as lack of sunlight due to tree canopy, and see if they can be overcome. We are big proponents of charring and we want people to focus on more than one resiliency plan.”
