MAMARONECK, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — A town in Westchester County is leading the way for greener energy options with one of New York State’s first solar farms.
With the Indian Point Nuclear Plant shutting down on Friday, New York is making a big push for solar power, and the Town of Mamaroneck is looking to answer the call.
Several years ago, the town made the decision to create a solar farm on the roof of the Hommocks Park Ice Rink – which is owned by the town – and the project broke ground this month.
The solar farm will harvest power from the sun, which can then be disbursed back into the neighborhood and across the state. However, the goal of the project, called Community Solar, is to give the benefits to low- and moderate-income families first.
“The town thought this would be a great opportunity to get the solar benefits – meaning that discount in the cost of electricity – to low- and moderate-income residents in the town first,” says Town Supervisor Nancy Selligson.
She says the town knew that switching to solar energy would not help save the local government more money, but that it could help individual residents.
“We knew that the town wouldn't be able to benefit from it, because in New York State, governments pay a subsidized amount for electricity, so we do not benefit from tax breaks either. So we knew it wouldn't really help us, but we knew that it could help other folks,” Selligson said.
The town supervisor says the town will be allowing renters in affordable housing units throughout the area to sign up for solar energy first, to help save them 10% on their energy bill every month.
“Let's offer to them first, and to apartment dwelling residents, because those folks can't usually put solar panels on their own homes,” Selligson said.
Other residents throughout the town will also be able to sign up soon.
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