LIPA Dedicates Installation of 1000th Solar Power System on
Long Island
Hicksville, NY—June 26, 2007—The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA)
today dedicated the installation of Long Island’s 1,000th solar roof. LIPA’s
Solar Pioneer program has rebated over $26 million for 5,781 kilowatts (kWs) of
solar panels.
“Solar installations on Long Island have been growing at a steady pace,” said
LIPA CEO/President Richard M. Kessel. “The 1,000th solar roof represents an
increasing awareness on Long Island that we can take control of our energy
future and work toward energy independence by using more alternative energy
technologies.”
According to Mr. Kessel, solar pioneer customers across Long Island are
reaping the benefits of the clean and renewable energy that the sun provides.
LIPA’s recently rebated 1,000th solar roof is located at the Hicksville home of
George and Angela Karman. The 9,180 watt PV system is expected to produce 10,384
kilowatt hours (kWhs) annually, which should save the Karman’s approximately
$2,100 per year.
The cost of a typical 54-panel PV system ranges from $68,850 to $73,440. LIPA,
through its Clean Energy Initiative (CEI) provided a rebate of $34,425, which
significantly reduced the out-of-pocket expense for the system. The Karman’s may
be able to further reduce the cost of the system via Federal and State tax
incentives, which could total $7,000, and by selling excess electricity back to
LIPA. In addition to the energy savings provided by the solar installations,
George and Angela Karman are helping to preserve Long Island’s environment.
"RELI had a goal to see 1,000 solar roofs installed on Long Island by the end
of 2007 and we are thrilled to have reached this important solar milestone six
months ahead of schedule," said Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of Renewable
Energy Long Island (RELI), a not-for-profit organization conducting outreach and
education on clean energy technologies and providing information and assistance
to homeowners interested in installing solar energy systems.
"Thanks to attractive LIPA cash rebates, sizable tax credits, and the work of
our tireless SolarCorps volunteers and solar homeowners, a record number of Long
Island Solar Pioneers are doing their part to lower emissions, create local jobs
and cut our dependency on fossil fuels," said Mr. Raacke.
“I have a special love for this place and with Long Island’s abundant
sunshine, it is the perfect location for using solar energy. As a supporting
member of RELI, I am so proud of the fact that we have reached our goal of 1,000
roofs installed by 2007,” said Christie Brinkley. “Using Mother Nature to
generate clean power to run our homes and businesses is a gift to future
generations. As a mother and an environmentalist I am encouraged and inspired by
the direction my fellow Long Islanders are taking. We are finally stepping up to
the plate in the battle against global warming by using renewable energy for a
brighter future.”
To date, LIPA has rebated the installation of approximately 5,781kWs of solar
panels on a combination of 954 residential and 46 commercial roofs. In addition,
LIPA has accepted 271 pending PV applications for a total of over $7.2 million
in rebates for 1,841 (DC) kWs of additional solar-generated energy.
LIPA’s Solar Pioneer Program is one of many CEI programs that have helped
reduce the use of fossil fuels, which in turn has lowered emissions of harmful
pollutants. By fostering energy conservation and efficient energy use to reduce
the amount of electricity consumed by LIPA customers, more than 2.9 million
barrels of oil, or more than 18.4 million decatherms of gas were NOT burned to
produce electricity. In turn, approximately 1,153,237 tons of CO2, 1,533 tons of
NOx and 5,455 tons of SO2 were NOT released into the air.
LIPA’s CEI, through its various conservation, energy efficiency, and load
reduction programs, has produced total energy savings of over 1,800 Gigawatt
hours (GWh) during the last seven years, which is enough electricity to power
over 180,000 average-sized Long Island homes. CEI programs have also reduced
Long Island’s peak demand by 175MW.
To learn more about LIPA’s CEI programs and information that can help
customers save on their electricity costs by using electricity more efficiently,
visit LIPA’s Web site at http://www.lipower.org. |
