The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has named David Sandbank, most recently president of OnForce Solar, to the position of director of NY-Sun, governor Cuomo's $1 billion solar initiative to advance the scale-up of solar and move the state closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry. "David Sandbank has the industry experience and expertise to expand New York's solar industry under governor Cuomo's NY-Sun initiative," said John Rhodes, president and CEO, NYSERDA. "We are very fortunate to have someone with his knowledge, entrepreneurial spirit and capability that can continue to develop the state's role as a national leader in solar." Sandbank helped grow OnForce Solar, which is located in the Bronx, from start-up in 2009 to a $30 million company in five years. Since joining the company as its first employee, he helped build a staff of more than 100 and oversaw company operations, marketing, engineering and installation teams. He also led the launch of OnForce Solar's residential division and implemented a solar installer training program for underprivileged inner-city residents in partnership with Chase Bank and The Consortium for Worker Education. Functioning as OnForce Solar's external regulatory and compliance liaison, Sandbank has actively worked with government agencies, policy makers and utility companies to help advance the solar industry in New York. In November 2013, he was elected vice president of the New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA), the only statewide non-profit membership and trade association dedicated to advancing the solar energy industry in New York State. In December 2013, he was appointed to the NYSOLAR SMART Advisory Board, a strategic effort led by the City University of New York (CUNY). Prior to joining OnForce Solar, Sandbank was the founder of a commercial production company, working with major advertising agencies on national brands. He holds a bachelor's degree from Adelphi University and attended Regent's College, London, England. NY-Sun is part of Governor Cuomo's commitment to protect the environment, grow the clean energy economy and lower energy costs for all New Yorkers. The plan involves deploying public funds in a strategic manner to drive industry to scale and reduce burdens on ratepayers. The program provides financial support for solar projects and uses a proven megawatt (MW) block system approach that is responsive to changing market conditions, allowing the solar market in each region of the State to grow at its own pace. It will eliminate incentives sooner in regions where the market conditions can support it, based on market penetration, customer demand and payback. NY-Sun also includes efforts to reduce solar balance-of-system costs, such as streamlining permitting processes and training for local officials, which can account for half of the total system costs. Included in the State's efforts to address balance-of-system costs is Community Solar and K-Solar, which will work with governments, schools and communities to make solar more accessible and affordable through group purchasing campaigns and other strategies. NY-Sun is expected to add more than 3,000 MW of installed solar capacity in the State by 2023.