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Municipalities are choosing solar
Solar is now powering our local area’s schools, libraries, community centers, office buildings, municipalities, and more. New York State recognizes the importance of renewable energy and recently passed the 2023-2024 budget, which included significant climate provisions.
A significant effort is The All-Electric Buildings Act which will require new construction buildings to be fully electric starting in 2026 for smaller buildings and 2029 for larger ones. With rising utility rates and the risk of unpredictable rate hikes, and industry and policy trends, switching to solar is a no-brainer!
Municipalities that switch to solar energy can enjoy various benefits that can help serve their communities better, such as:
- Generate Savings: Solar offers a low fixed cost, protecting from utility rate increases & volatility. Municipalities can control their electricity bill, whether they own their project (direct ownership) or choose a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) via third-party ownership. With the help of state and federal incentives, municipalities will generate significant savings.
- Economic Development: Going solar can provide a reliable and cost-effective electricity source, attracting businesses to the area, which can increase investments and opportunities, benefiting the municipality and its residents.
- Increase Sustainability: By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, solar energy can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which can help mitigate climate change and improve air quality. As a result, it can help create a healthier and more livable community.
- Job Opportunities: Create job opportunities in installing, maintaining, and selling solar. Careers in the solar industry are diverse and vastly expanding.
The Village Brockport solar savings
There are so many additional benefits of switching to solar energy! In 2019, GreenSpark Solar installed a solar array on a capped landfill in the Village of Brockport.
This 646 kW solar array offsets the electricity needs of multiple buildings, including Seymour Library, three fire stations, the visitor center, the Department of Public Works, municipal offices, the police station, and streetlights.
For the calendar year 2022 alone, this project resulted in net credits/savings of $31,000, as the Village of Brockport Treasurer reported.
How do municipalities fund solar?
If you’re curious about electrifying an entire town, let us tell you it’s possible!
There are two models that have proven most popular for municipalities making the switch to solar:
- Direct ownership: With this option, the municipality is able to utilize Federal and State incentives, including a new 30% credit in the form of direct pay thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. Direct ownership also means that the municipality receives the financial value from the electricity generated by the solar array.
- Power Purchase Agreement: This option involves a third-party owning the solar array, and the municipality agrees to a fixed, often discounted rate for clean, local solar power. This is a great option for municipalities that would like to achieve sustainability goals with $0 capital investment.
The Village of Brockport solar array utilizes a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) structure to achieve significant solar savings, with Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure as the owner of the array.
Neighbors are taking the initiative
The Village of Brockport’s solar array will continue strengthening the community and generating more savings for years! Other communities, such as the Village of Sodus Point, Town of Irondequoit, and many others have switched to solar energy. Why not join them?
By choosing solar, you can provide all residents and businesses with renewable energy and will swap your unpredictable utility bill for a fixed monthly utility bill (with no gimmicks!) for your town.
