A new program will connect Syracuse residents and businesses to a solar provider to help lower electricity bills.
Mayor Sharon Owens announced Syracuse Community Solar will help reduce household energy expenses without having to install solar panels.
“The program is all about giving Syracuse residents a practical solution to respond to climate change, one that supports clean energy and saves money,” Owens said in a press release. “We will be rolling out a comprehensive outreach campaign to ensure residents know what they are signing up for.”
The program will partner with Solar Simplified, which won a competitive process through the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board. Solar Simplified will manage all customer enrollment and program administration, but the city said it will help with promotion and awareness of the program.
It is part of the city’s larger sustainability initiative and partnership with EnergySmart CNY. It allows residents and local businesses to subscribe to a piece of electricity produced by larger solar farms, then get credits on National Grid bills.
“Even if you rent or can’t put solar panels on your roof, you can benefit from solar panels elsewhere,” said Lindsay Speer, director of the EnergySmart CNY program, in a press release. “We hope the research we’ve done helps more of our neighbors feel confident in subscribing to community solar.”
The community solar program is free and now open, on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who are interested can learn more on the Solar Simplified webpage.
