Millbrook – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County has announced its continuing its efforts to assist eligible, low-income Hudson Valley homeowners and renters in signing up for the state’s Solar for All program to help reduce their energy burden.
Solar for All is administered by NYSERDA through NY-Sun, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s $1 billion initiative to advance the scale-up of solar and move the State closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry. The program offers low-income households the opportunity to subscribe to a community solar project in their area without paying any costs or fees. Residents that have participated in the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and EmPower NY are already income-qualified for the program.
Solar for All includes an opportunity to save $5-$15 per month on their electric bills and there is no cost to enroll in the program. Anyone with a Central Hudson, NYSEG, or Orange & Rockland electric account number is eligible to participate.
By enabling consumers to subscribe to a local community solar project, these projects increase access to solar for homeowners and renters who may not have ideal conditions to install solar panels at their location. Energy is still delivered through their regular electric provider while the power produced from the community solar array is fed directly back to the electric grid. As a result, the grid is supplied with clean, renewable energy while subscribers get credit on their electric bills.
Space is still available in Solar for All for Central Hudson, NYSEG, or Orange & Rockland electricity customers to receive solar credits from the following projects:
- Crans Mill is a 2.8-megawatt community solar project of which 1 megawatt will be used to provide no-cost solar subscriptions in Orange and Rockland’s utility territory. Located in the town of Crawford. Owned and operated by Clearway Energy Group.
- Underhill is a 3.0-megawatt community solar project of which 1 megawatt will be used to provide no-cost solar subscriptions in Central Hudson’s utility territory. Located in the town of Poughkeepsie. Owned and operated by Clearway Energy Group.
- Nexamp Rochester is a 5.6-megawatt community solar project of which 1 megawatt will be used to provide no-cost solar subscriptions in Central Hudson’s utility territory. Located in the town of own of Rochester. Owned and operated by Nexamp.
- Sackett Lake is a 2.8-megawatt community solar project of which 1 megawatt will be used to provide no-cost solar subscriptions in NYSEG’s utility territory in Sullivan, Delaware, Otsego, Chenango, and Madison Counties. Located in the town of Thompson. Owned and operated by Delaware River Solar.
Eligibility for Solar for All is based on household income. For more information on Solar for All eligibility and to receive assistance on sign up, please contact your local Community Energy Advisor at (845) 677-8223. Interested homeowners and renters are encouraged to apply on NYSERDA’s website (nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/NY-Sun/Solar-for-Your-Home/Community-Solar/Solar-for-All).
