(Lido Beach, NY) – Non-profit agencies serving individuals with developmental disabilities, AHRC and affiliates, Brookville Center for Children’s Services (BCCS) and Citizens, celebrated the solar energy partnership with EmPower Solar and Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) at an event in Lido Beach on Sunday. More than 125 people attended the occasion highlighting the economic and environmental benefits realized by the three non-profit organizations through this public/private partnership.
AHRC, BCCS, and Citizens, contracted together with EmPower Solar in 2010 to help save on energy costs throughout 49 community residences– the largest non-profit installation on Long Island. The project, which received rebates from LIPA that reduced the upfront capital costs, is also expected to save the organizations several millions and is especially critical as New York State continues to reduce funding.
“By investing in solar energy, the impact of government cuts can be better absorbed as a result of lower utility costs. Additionally, these savings allow for more available funds to continue our high quality programs for people with developmental disabilities,” said Michael Mascari, AHRC Executive Director.
Together, the organizations conducted a full-scope energy audit to learn which locations were best suited for solar panels. Recommendations were made, such as upgrading the electrical system, replacing entire roofs or shingles, and removing trees that would maximize the panels’ effectiveness.
“We’re really honored to be AHRC’s solar provider, and our entire team feels a great sense of pride in working on this project,” said David Schieren, CEO of EmPower Solar. “Our responsibility is to deliver as many years of clean, renewable energy, make sure the systems are working properly, monitor, service, and report. We take this responsibility very seriously. Solar delivers very significant cost savings. It delivers real benefits for the environment; it reduces air pollution, it reduces water pollution, ground pollution. But our vision is that renewable energy leads to a more prosperous, healthy, and civil world.”
The cost of purchasing the solar photovoltaic (PV) systems was significantly reduced with financial incentives and technical assistance provided by LIPA’s Solar Entrepreneur Program.
“Without LIPA, simply put, there would be no solar power; that’s the bottom line,” said Schieren. “The commitment from LIPA is greater than ten years now, and we wouldn’t be here without them. There are obvious things they do which is provide direct financial incentives, and this project received direct financial incentives pretty significantly. You have a utility company, which is a very complex business, and yet they’re supporting solar energy, which is almost counter to their business model, if you think about it. But they are determined and committed.”
“LIPA is pleased to work with both AHRC and EmPower Solar in one of the biggest investments in solar and renewable energy in the state of New York,” said LIPA VP of Environmental Affairs, Michael J. Deering. “This project exemplifies how private-public partnerships can provide for substantial cost savings and greater efficiencies, foster clean energy jobs, build community relationships, cut energy use and reduce our carbon footprint; while at the same time ensuring that vital programs and services are provided, especially to people in need.”
EmPower installed solar panels at 49 community residences. The total cost of the project is $3,502,890 and with LIPA rebates of $2,096,160 the total cost to AHRC and its affiliates is $1,441,530.
“Initially the project was projected to have paid for itself with 7.5 years, however, according to current projections the savings will be realized a full year sooner,” said Mascari. “We will be able to reinvest these savings back in our programs.”
Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray also attended the celebration to praise the solar energy project. Calling herself a cheerleader, she said her renewable energy commitment with EmPower Solar a “great partnership,” adding, “Without LIPA, there would be no solar power. And to our friends at AHRC, we work with AHRC all the time and there’s no finer organization to take care of our children with special needs, so I want to give a shout out to AHRC for all that you do, 365 days a year.”
About AHRC Nassau
AHRC is Long Island’s premier provider of services for more than 2,200 people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families throughout Nassau County. AHRC offers residential, supportive employment and pre-vocational programs, community habilitation opportunities, guardianship and family support services.
About EmPower Solar
EmPower Solar is a leading solar engineering and installation company serving residential and commercial markets in New York. Since 2003, EmPower has installed over 600 residential, commercial and non-profit solar power systems in the Tri-State Area. EmPower has consulted on many solar and alternative fuel infrastructure projects throughout the country, including solar powered hydrogen fueling systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
About LIPA’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Programs
LIPA’s nationally recognized renewable and energy efficiency programs offer our customers, a wide array of sustainable energy options which helps our customers go green and save money, while helping LIPA reduce peak load and our dependence on fossil fuels. In addition these programs continue to provide green jobs on Long Island.
LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric provider, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to more than 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. LIPA is the 2nd largest municipal electric utility in the nation in terms of electric revenues, 3rd largest in terms of customers served and the 7th largest in terms of electricity delivered. In 2011, LIPA outperformed all other overhead electric utilities in New York State for frequency and duration of service interruptions. LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island generating assets. More information about LIPA can be found online at http://www.lipower.org.
