SOLARgeneration installs solar energy system at a day school; NYSERDA provides $67,000

The Woodstock Day School has unveiled a new solar energy system it has installed that will reduce the carbon footprint of its five-acre campus and cut the school's energy costs by more than $100,000 over the next 30 years. The project, which was supported with funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), was installed by SOLARgeneration, Inc. The new solar photovoltaic (PV) system will supply a portion of the school's science, art, and main office buildings with nearly 15,000 kilowatt hours of clean, renewable electricity. NYSERDA president and CEO Francis Murray Jr. said, "I commend the leaders of the Woodstock Day School for their commitment to using clean, renewable energy. The solar photovoltaic system will reduce the environmental impact of the school's operations and provide a valuable teaching platform for students to learn more about solar energy and a sustainable future." The 13.44kW, 60 panel ground-mounted PV array was designed and installed by Todd Koelmel and Jason Spiotta of SOLARgeneration. NYSERDA provided $67,000 toward the full cost of equipment and SOLARgeneration installed the system free of charge. Since 2005, NYSERDA has provided nearly $9 million in incentives to 273 residential, 43 commercial, eight not-for-profit, and one industrial PV projects in Ulster County, totaling more than $20 million. These systems are generating more than three million kilowatt hours of clean, renewable electricity annually-the equivalent to the annual amount of electricity consumed by 436 single family homes. In March, the Public Service Commission authorized $144 million in rate-payer supported funding for solar energy projects. NYSERDA offers innovative programs, technical expertise and funding to help consumers increase energy efficiency and save money while helping businesses create clean energy solutions. NYSERDA's professionals help New Yorkers reduce energy consumption, increase the use of renewable energy, protect our environment and create clean energy jobs. A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.