Solar Electric Systems' Auction - SuffolkJournal.com

Solar Systems Auction Planned

December 10, 2002

CITIZENS ADVISORY PANEL TO AUCTION
RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SOLAR ELECTRIC SYSTEMS
Long Island ratepayers benefit from savings through LIPA Solar Rebate Program; Proceeds to benefit CAP’s Clean Energy Campaign

[Westhampton Beach, NY] The Citizens Advisory Panel held its first ever “Peace on Earth” Holiday Gala to benefit its Clean Energy Campaign at the Atlantica in Westhampton Beach this month, where it announced plans to auction two fully installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to LIPA customers at lower than advertised rates.

LIPA customers with current electric accounts in good standing have their choice of bidding on a large 10kw thin film PV system designed for commercial rooftops or a smaller 2.88 kw PV system suitable for residences.

Both systems are eligible for the LIPA $5,000 per kilowatt solar rebate offer in addition to a 25% New York State Tax Credit. Average annual savings on LIPA bills are estimated to be $600 per year on the smaller solar system and up to $2,600 for the larger commercial system.

“For any business or homeowner who ever considered a solar electric system, this auction is their chance to make their own electricity and save money on their monthly bills,” added Gordian Raacke, Executive Director for the Citizens Advisory Panel. “It is also a great way to conserve energy and help the environment by reducing pollution here on Long Island.”

Bidding prices will begin far below the actual value of each PV system, which are designed to produce clean, free power for 25 years or longer. The 10kw commercial system is being offered by TerraSolar, Inc., whose business is located in Brooklyn, and SunShine Plus, located in West Babylon who are partnering in this effort. This fully installed system valued at over $90,000 will be auctioned at a starting price of $70,000. The 2.88 kw residential system is being auctioned in partnership with GoSolar in Riverhead, and is valued at almost $26,000 with bidding to commence at $20,000. All three solar companies are donating a portion of their proceeds to help benefit CAP’s “Clean Energy Campaign” on Long Island.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Long Island businesses and residents to go solar with very little investment and the potential for huge monetary savings,” stated Kathleen Whitley, CAP Energy Analyst and Program Manger for LI Shines. “And the donated proceeds from TerraSolar, SunShine Plus and GoSolar will enable CAP to continue its work of bringing clean, safe and domestic renewable energy technologies to Long Island.”

LIPA customers who are eligible may authorize their rebate proceeds to be paid directly to the installers, further reducing their up front costs. Prequalification requirements and more details on the solar electric system auction are available on the CAP website at www.energymatters.org, or by calling Kathleen Whitley at 631-537-8282.

The Tulip Festival is Coming!!
3rd Annual Huntington Festival officially set
for May 4, 2003

Huntington Town Councilman Mark Cuthbertson was recently joined by Lisa Ann Barone of the South Huntington Branch of Astoria Federal Savings to help plant the last of the 20,000 tulip bulbs that have been put in at Heckscher Park this past month.
The Festival is scheduled for May 4, 2003 and will take place from 11am until 4pm at Heckscher Park in Huntington.

If anyone would like any further information about the Festival, please call (631) 351-3099.