At the outset of 2016, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo launched the Clean Energy Fund to help combat climate change and increase the state’s clean-energy economy. With this initiative in place, Cuomo also pledged to generate 50 percent of NY’s energy needs from renewable sources by 2030.
The latter proposal sparked localized interest, with Briarcliff Manor-based Sunrise Solar Solutions leading the clean-energy campaign. And this past June, the design-and-installation company teamed up with nonprofit Hudson Valley to launch their Solarize Nyack/Rockland, program. Together, they’ve been holding numerous workshops to educate Rockland residents on the benefits of renewable energy, as well as visiting homes throughout the county to install panels and provide estimates, while emphasizing that there is no upfront money needed since there’s zero cost down financing with tax credits available.
The only obstacle is that, based on a recent survey conducted by Sunrise Solar Solutions, homeowners throughout Westchester, Rockland County, and the Hudson Valley were interested in installing solar energy systems but still deterred by the expense. So as a way of converting those who feel priced out, Solarize Nyack/Rockland offered residents and business owners who signed up for a free assessment by June 30 to take advantage of low rates and discounts. And in light of increased demand, the joint endeavor has extended that deadline to Aug. 1.
“There is an endless supply of solar energy,” says Rand Manasse, COO of Sunrise Solar Solutions, by way of encouragement. “It’s not like we are digging into coal mines or importing oil that will eventually run out. You can’t run out of the sun.”
Would this kind of initiative compel you to switch to solar? Feel free to sound off in the comments below.
