New Paltz Solar Panels Project
Let the Sun Shine
Solar Power, a clean renewable energy, has arrived on the roof of the Department of Public Works garage in the center of the Village of New Paltz. At a time when we are all concerned about energy conservation, the Village and the Town of New Paltz have taken a step forward to an emission free energy source by installing Solar Panels. Our tax payers are benefiting as the panels supply 10% of the energy needs for the buildings on the block; Volunteer Fire Department, Police Department, Town Court, Department of Public Works, Office of the Building Inspector, the Village Clerk’s Office and the Mayor’s Office. Our students are benefiting in the New Paltz School District and at SUNY New Paltz because they have a local science educational experience that demonstrates the effectiveness of solar power. The project provides a public read-out station to track energy savings that can be used as a tool for students and community members interested in the power generated by the solar project. It is located just inside the blue door to Village Hall, across from Peace Park on 25 Plattekill Ave.
Five communities in the Hudson Valley Region (12 in New York State) applied for and received a grant funded through a settlement of a lawsuit by Attorney General Eliot Spitzer against the Virginia Electric Power Company in 2003. Under the settlement, the power company was required to pay $2.1 million dollars for air pollution mitigation projects in New York State. The NYS Energy Research and Development Authority were charged with the responsibility of administering the funds to install solar energy equipment on government-owned buildings in the state. New Paltz has received $96,200.00 for the installation of the solar panels.
The 14.8kW Photovoltaic system will produce approximately 17,500 kWh per year. Located on the highly visible roof of the Dept. of Public Works, officials are hopeful that this installation will spur private businesses and home owners towards alternative energy sources in the future.
Quotes From the Solar Panel Ribbon Cutting, November 22, 2005
State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, states, “The New Paltz solar project showcases a renewable, emission-free alternative to more polluting sources of energy. This installation will improve the state’s ability to meet peak electricity demand while cutting energy costs for years to come.”
President of NYSERDA, Peter R. Smith said, "We are pleased NYSERDA was able to work with the Village of New Paltz to help reduce air pollution and conserve energy, while offsetting their operational expenses. The installation of the new photovoltaic system has made New Paltz a model for other communities."
When asked about this major accomplishment, Mayor Jason West of the Village of New Paltz stated, “We are both pleased and grateful to be chosen to implement this grant. Energy conservation should be everyone’s concern. It is both fiscally responsible and environmentally necessary. We have set a path in the Village and Town of New Paltz that will hopefully allow our children to flourish in a community where environmental protections exist, energy is not squandered and conservation is held in high regard. It is to everyone’s credit that these solar panels are installed and producing energy that will off-set the rising costs of purchasing power.”
Joyce Minard of the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce stated, “We are hoping this will lead the way for other industries to look to and invest in green alternatives.”
John Wright of Hudson Valley Clean Energy states, “Our hope is that this will raise awareness for homeowners and commercial industry that there are many grants and tax credits available. Half of our customers install these systems for financial returns and the other half install solar electric systems for the environmental benefits. Our customers see this as a way to hedge against rising electric and energy costs.”
John Maserjian from Central Hudson had this to say, "Central Hudson certainly congratulates New Paltz in taking this important first step in support of renewable energy. We believe energy produced through renewable sources will continue to grow in coming years because of committed citizens who are willing to make these kinds of investments today in order to improve environmental quality for tomorrow."
According to Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of the New Paltz Central School District, “It is exciting to be in a community that recognizes the delicate balance of our environment and how we interact and affect it. This project provides a multitude of learning opportunities for our students in the New Paltz school community. This extends the classroom, providing learners with interactive information and data in a real-world setting as a vehicle for authentic problem solving, creativity and innovation.”
Rachel Lagodka, Co Chair of the Environmental Conservation Commission for the Village of New Paltz recently stated, “The solar panels on the roof of the DPW are already reducing taxpayer expenditure for energy and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. They are a harbinger of more great initiatives to come from this village administration who are implementing environmental strategies on all fronts.”
The President of SUNY New Paltz, Steven G. Poskanzer, had this to say, “I'm delighted that the village is using a clean renewable energy source to fuel Village Hall and that SUNY New Paltz students will have an opportunity to learn about energy conservation and alternative energy sources through this endeavor.”
Don Wilen, Supervisor for the Town of New Paltz had this to say, "This state-funded, inter-municipal collaboration on the installation of solar panels to serve both Town and Village facilities demonstrates our shared commitment to sustainable energy. It's also a demonstration of our ability to work cooperatively to achieve mutually beneficial, shared goals. I have heard some critics of this project say that the financial return from investments in solar energy come too far into the future to be of meaningful benefit to consumers or to the tax payers, but I think that's short-sighted. If we take the long view, we can see that this project shows our commitment to a more independent, less energy-supplier dependent future. In time, commercial, industrial, residential and municipal consumers will look toward solar energy as a viable alternative. Here in New Paltz, we pride ourselves on our inclination to think "outside the box" and now, as you can see, nobody can deny that we think "off the grid." That's a legacy of which the Mayor and I can truly take pride."
Glenn Gidaly from Shingebiss Associates (the grant writers) stated, “We are pleased to be able to secure these highly competitive New York State funds for a project that is a priority to this Village Board.”
Patrice Courtney, Coordinator of the Mid-Hudson Energy Smart Communities added this, "The Mid-Hudson region has truly distinguished itself by virtue of the fact that five municipalities won incentive awards from NYSERDA to install solar panels. New Paltz showed its leadership with an imaginative proposal, a highly visible location and a good, solid team to get the job done."
An article about the panels from the Times Herald-Record can be found here.
Sign up for a one-time donation 