Nov 30 2010
Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), which had suspended its most favored Solar Pioneer program in view of outgrowing demands that surpassed its allocated budget, will receive federal stimulus funds valued at $15 million. The announcement was made by the Governor of the state, David Paterson.
The DOE has approved the issued amendment and has allowed LIPA to re-open its Solar Pioneer program from 1 December 2010.
The funding, released through New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), will allow LIPA to utilize $8.3 million towards its popular Solar Pioneer program that provides rebates to households to erect new grid-linked solar power systems. The remaining funds, $6.7 million, will be utilized by LIPA to link the Suffolk county-owned solar panels erected over carports at railroad station parking facilities and other such places. The installed panels are anticipated to generate and deliver 17 MW of power.
LIPA commenced its solar initiatives in 2000 and has allowed solar rebates for 3,498 solar power installations through its Solar Pioneer program to enable a total power generation capability of 20 MW.
The LIPA solar programs plays a vital role in ‘45 by 15’ initiative announced by Governor Paterson to meet 45% of the states electric power requirements from renewable energy sources by 2015. LIPA’s solar initiative allows homeowners with solar installations to save around $1,650 per annum on their utility bills. The additional funding received by LIPA will enable around 600 homes to receive the solar rebates.