ARRA Solar Grant

As part of his ongoing effort to make Freeport the center of the “Green Revolution” on Long Island, Mayor Andrew Hardwick and Dep. Speaker Earlene Hooper personally surveyed projects that the Hardwick Administration was championing for our Village. As a result of the very strong application made by a joint team of our professionals from Freeport Electric (FE) and the Department of Public Works (DPW), Mayor Hardwick is pleased to report that FE has secured an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant of $355,027, through NYSERDA’s solar energy program. The Grant will fund the complete installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the Fire Department Headquarters in Freeport.

“This is just the type of cutting-edge project that Freeport is implementing as a part of our smart technology approach to energy production,” said Mayor Hardwick. All of the residents of Freeport are truly thankful to NYSERDA for its efforts in offering energy efficiency opportunities to New York municipalities. “Given the high cost of energy, the installation of solar panels at municipal buildings makes good economic sense, while at the same time preserving and protecting our environment,” said Freeport Electric’s Superintendent, Anthony Fiore.

The Solar Power Program enabled the Village of Freeport to install a 50kW solar electric panel system on the roof of the building at 15 Broadway. The location was chosen because it is ideally suited for a PV installation and meets all requirements associated with a solar power installation. The unobstructed southern exposure will enable the system to generate the maximum amount of energy from the sun over the longest period of time. The project called for the installation of 168-308 Watt solar modules, inverters and all associated materials and labor to complete the installation by approved, certified solar panel installers.

Installing a renewable energy source at a prominent Village of Freeport building like the Fire Department Headquarters showcased the Village’s leadership in the area of renewable energy under the Hardwick Administration’s guidance, as well as its commitment to promote the benefits of solar power to the community. The installation of the renewable energy source will reduce the “carbon foot print” of the Fire Department and, more importantly, reduce the operating costs which are borne by Freeport taxpayers.

Once commissioned, the solar panels will produce around 60,000 kWhs annually. Based upon current electric rates, this single installation alone will save the Village more than $210,000 over the 30-yr life of the project. It is contemplated that the proliferation of this type of pilot project will help to drive down the costs of solar power making it more affordable for ordinary homeowners.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS.

VIEW SUNPOWER MONTHLY REPORT.