Town of North Hempstead to aid residents switch to solar energy

The Town of North Hempstead announced Monday a plan to help residents and businesses make the switch to solar-produced energy.
The town partnered with New York State to seek solar companies that would provide free site assessments and special incentives and discounts to property owners.
“We know that many property owners don’t know where to start when they want to install solar panels,” Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said. “The Solarize initiative is a great way for us to help our local businesses and residents make contact with reputable local companies, and to install solar energy at low cost.”
The town selected Ronkonkoma-based SUNation Solar Systems for residential and commercial solar panel installation, Island Park-based SunPower by EmPower Solar for residential installation and Roslyn Heights-based GreenLogic for commercial installation after an extensive pre-qualification process.
The town currently offers residents the resources to upgrade their homes’ energy efficiency through the Long Island Green Homes program, but the “Solarize North Hempstead” campaign was developed, with the town’s Office of Sustainability, to help those in the town get energy from renewable sources.
Both programs, according to the town, are designed to assist property owners in saving money on energy investments.
“The most important thing that property owners can do to reduce their impact on the climate is to reduce their energy use, and then make sure that their energy is coming from a local, carbon-free source,” said Erin Reilley, chief sustainability officer for the town.
As well as free site assessments and special discounts, the three solar companies will also educate those interested about the benefits of making the switch to solar energy, assist in the permitting process and provide documents needed for tax rebates.
The program is available to property owners in the unincorporated areas of the town until Dec. 31.
Those living in an incorporated village are not eligible for the program.
“Solarize North Hempstead” is expected to officially begin at the town’s BeachFeast on Sept. 17, where representatives of the three solar companies will be available to inform residents about the program and how they can sign up.
Property owners who sign contracts with installers prior to the Dec. 31 deadline will be eligible for special “Solarize North Hempstead” program pricing.
The program is supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s NY-Sun initiative, which aims to invest up to $1 billion for solar power installations throughout the state through 2023.