For Immediate ReleaseContact: Nicola Coddington

(914) 325-0058

Solarize Westchester Announces Communities Selected for Unique Solar Power Program

SolarizeProgram Offers Limited-Time Discounts of Up to 20 Percent;

Launch Events Announced

January 7, 2015—Westchester County, NY

Starting this month and until June,homeowners and businesses in four Westchester communitycoalitions will have the opportunity to participate in a solar power discount program that makesinstalling solar electric systems simpler and more affordable.

Solarize Westchester has selected the following four coalitions to participate in a Solarizecampaign:

  • Solarize Bedford-Mt. Kisco (the Town of Bedford and the Village of Mt. Kisco)
  • SolarizeCortlandt-Croton (the Town of Cortlandt and the Village of Croton)
  • Solarize Ossining-Briarcliff (the Town of Ossining and the Villages of Ossining and Briarcliff Manor)
  • Solarize Larchmont-Mamaroneck (the Town of Mamaroneck and the Villages of Larchmont and Mamaroneck)

The Solarizeprogram encourages increasedadoption of small-scale solar electricity systems by offering lower installation costs due to economies of scale. Group discounts offered by a competitively selected, qualifiedsolar contractor are coupled with extensive community outreach and education to create awareness and build interest. Aclear end datemotivates residents to act.

Home and business owners who sign up for solar installations by the campaign end date (June 1, 2015 for some of the communities, slightly later for others) will be able to take advantage of group rates significantly below market prices. And the more people who sign up, the lower the price will be for everyone— even the first to enroll. Solarize Westchesteranticipatesat least 50 new signed contracts for solar power installations in each community coalition by June.

SolarizeWestchester ispartnering with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's NY-Sun initiative. NY-Sun represents a $1 billion investment in solar power through 2023 to significantly expand solar installations across the State and to ultimately transform New York’s solar industry so it becomes self-sustaining.

*[See below for quotes from the chief elected officials of the Solarize partner communities]

These communities will officially kick off their Solarize campaigns with launch events where their home and business ownersare encouraged to come andlearn about the program from community leaders and participating solar installers. **[See dates, times & locations below]

**

SolarizeCortlandt-Croton / Solarize Ossining-Briarcliff / SolarizeCortlandt-Croton / Solarize Larchmont-Mamaroneck / Solarize Ossining-Briarcliff / Solarize Bedford-Mt. Kisco
Thu. Jan. 20
7-8:30 pm
Hendrick Hudson Free Library, 185 Kings Ferry Rd, Montrose, NY / Sat. Jan. 24
10 am-12 pm
Briarcliff Manor Public Library, 1 Library Rd., Briarcliff Manor, NY / Sat. Jan. 24
2-3:30 pm
Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Dr., Croton-on-Hudson, NY / February
TBA / Thu. Jan. 29
7-9 pm
Ossining Public Library, 53 Croton Ave., Ossining, NY / Sat. Jan. 31
Repeated workshops at Environmental Summit, Fox Lane HS, 632 S. Bedford Rd., Bedford, NY

The solar installers competitively selected by the Solarize communities include Ross Solar Group, Sunrise Solar Solutions, and Best Energy Power.

More information about SolarizeWestchester and these four Solarize campaigns can be found by visiting

*Quotes from the chief elected officials of the Solarize partner communities:

Solarize Bedford-Mt. Kisco

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Mount Kisco in our joint participation in the Solarize Westchester Campaign. Leveraging the Solarize model, residents and local businesses in both Bedford and Mount Kisco have a great opportunity to realize significant cost savings through solar energy use. The increased use of clean solar energy will boost the Town’s progress in its environmental goals of reduced emissions.The Bedford Town Board is enthusiastic about the Solarize Campaign and will continue to provide its support throughout the campaign.” --Chris Burdick, Supervisor, Town of Bedford

"We look forward to working with the Solarize Westchester team and our partners in Bedford to substantially increase solar installations, drive economic activity and reduce emissions in our community."–J. Michael Cindrich, Mayor, Village of Mount Kisco

SolarizeCortlandt-Croton

"I am proud of our Cortlandt and Croton Communities for working together toeducateand promote solar energy.” –Linda Puglisi, Supervisor, Town of Cortlandt

“With electric rates rising so much, there’s never been a better time to invest in a solar system for your home or business in Westchester County.” –Leo Wiegman, Mayor, Village of Croton-on-Hudson

Solarize Ossining-Briarcliff

“The Town of Ossining is so proudto be part of this Coalition that will take the ‘guesswork’ out of ‘solarizing’ for our residents- working together, we can ensure not only great pricing but professional and high-quality workmanship.” –Susanne Donnelly, Supervisor, Town of Ossining

“SolarizeOssining–Briarcliff is a remarkable collaboration of local governments, non-profits, community organizations and industry leaders. We all need to find ways to spend less on our utility bills and use energy more wisely. SolarizeOssining–Briarcliff breaks down barriers, and makes it easier for our residents and small businesses to get solar on their properties.” –Victoria Gearity, Mayor, Village of Ossining

“Briarcliff Manor has been consistently encouraging the expansion of solar energy. Our own buildings and those of many of our residents indicate a determination, now more than ever, to move into this new age opportunity. We believe that the Ossining and Briarcliff Manor coalition will simplify the daunting task of selecting solar contractors as well as ease the time consuming tasks when looking for professional, high quality products and workmanship. While this is a great opportunity for communities to work together, the real benefit will go to our residents and commercial interests.” --William J. Vescio, Mayor, Village of Briarcliff Manor

Solarize Larchmont-Mamaroneck

“Improving sustainability and energy savings are important priorities for the Town of Mamaroneck which makes the Solarize program so exciting. We look forward to helping residents implement solar strategies to reduce their energy costs and reduce greenhouse gases for our region.” --Nancy Seligson, Supervisor, Town of Mamaroneck

“Village residents now can look into solar power for their homes not only for the benefits it brings our environment but also for the energy savings. This initiative makes solar power a reasonable and understandable alternative for our residents. The Village heartily endorses it.” --Anne McAndrews, Mayor, Village of Larchmont

“The Village of Mamaroneck is a leader in environmental sustainability and continuing improvement for today's community and our children's future. We are proud to join the Solarize Westchester campaign and continue our quest for an improved and better 21st century.” -- Norman S. Rosenblum, Mayor, Village of Mamaroneck

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About Solarize Westchester: Solarize Westchester is an initiative supported by NYSERDA and will include two rounds of Solarize Campaigns each with four selected communities or coalitions of communities. In addition, Solarize Westchester promotes the adoption of solar-friendly permittingand zoning to reduce inefficiencies in current municipal practices and make requirements more consistent across Westchester County. Adoption of municipal “best practices” benefits towns by streamlining processes and reducing municipal costs while ensuring a focus on safety.Solarize Westchester is a collaborative effort by the following organizations: Energy Improvement Corporation, Abundant Efficiency, Croton Energy Group, Pace University Land Use Law Center, SmartPower, and Sustainable Westchester. For more information, visit