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Dobbs Ferry, Hastings Selected For Solar Program

RIVERTOWNS, N.Y. -- Hastings-on-Hudson and Dobbs Ferry have been selected as joint communities to be part of Solarize Westchester, Round 2. 

The second round of support for community-driven Solarize campaigns is now open and encourages projects that make solar more accessible for low- and moderate-income consumers.

The second round of support for community-driven Solarize campaigns is now open and encourages projects that make solar more accessible for low- and moderate-income consumers.

Photo Credit: New York State

Solarize Hastings-Dobbs Ferry will help residents buy solar electric system from a pre-selected installer (Sunrise Solar Solutions) at a discounted rate by combining bulk purchasing with existing state and federal incentives. 

Rather than leaving it to residents to try to sort out the many offerings they receive in the mail, email, or phone from solar system installers, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Solarize Westchester have created an easier path by pre-qualifying solar installation companies and soliciting proposals from them for community discounts. 

A home tour of existing solar installations will take place Saturday, and there will be a series of workshops throughout the next four months in both villages for residents who want to learn more about installing a solar powered system. 

Hastings and Dobbs Ferry have engaged in this campaign as part of their efforts to become more sustainable communities. Both villages have received recognition for their considerable sustainability achievements.

In 2013 Hastings established its own Green Building Code and in 2015 received the EPA Environmental Champion Award for banning plastic bags and Styrofoam containers. Dobbs Ferry is already recognized as a Bronze-level Climate-Smart Community. 

Fewer than 50 have installed solar panels so far in the two villages and only Dobbs Ferry has municipal and business solar installations. All homeowners and businesses with some sun exposure on their roofs are encouraged to find out if their house or building is eligible, and if so, to act now. Many will be surprised to learn that their house is a good spot for solar because newer technology has made more locations feasible. 

The Solarize Hastings-Dobbs Ferry campaign and its discounted rate will end on Feb. 29, 2016, and the 30% Federal tax credit will expire at the end of 2016. 

To find out more about the program or to sign up for a free home site-survey, homeowners can click here or call Sunrise Solar Solutions at 914-762-7622. For more information, visit the NYSERDA website at www.nyserda.ny.gov. :

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