OCTOBER
2016 
_____________________ 
_____________________ 
Additional Resources

_____________________ 












  






SOLAR GOES MAINSTREAM (MEDIA)  
The media likes 'new' news, tangible news with money or jobs involved, news with a twist, and of course, bad news with a long shelf-life. Firsts are big. When New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the new target for solar capacity was now 1,000 MW by 2030, he also declared not only a first for NYC, but the first for any city in America- 100 MWh of storage by 2020 - it got some attention.

Over a dozen industry outlets like Power Magazine and NRDC captured the news and then the New York Times came out with a story a few weeks later, it even made the front page (of the Sunday Real Estate section) - however they had been working on the story for months. In fact the reporter had attended the NY Solar Summit in June as well as the NYC Solar Partnership Shared Solar NYC and Solarize NYC kick-off in early September. Other outlets like DNAInfo, PlanetSave and PVTech covered details of how the targets could be achieved. It seems 'good' solar news is selling. Have a story you would like to share? Contact [email protected]

GUIDANCE FOR SOLARIZE+STORAGE RFP'S   
Solarize programs have spread like summer rays across NY State with over 60 campaigns either completed or in process. Now, with an increasing interest in pairing solar and energy storage, some communities are incorporating battery back-up into Solarize "Request for Proposals" (RFP's) that go out to installers interested in competing for these campaigns. However, storage responses often lack specificity and consistency, making it difficult for communities to fully understand proposals and evaluate qualified installers. To address this, Sustainable CUNY's Smart DG Hub reviewed the current Solarize template RFP and provided a summary memo with guidance for communities that wish to request information on energy storage in their campaigns. Guidance for Including Storage in Solarize Programs
NYC SOLAR+STORAGE SYSTEMS ON MAP 

NEW! The "NYC Installed Energy Storage Systems" layer on the NY Solar Map offers insight into the energy storage systems currently installed in NYC. Information on the battery chemistry type, the system size, the location, whether the system is paired with solar, the date installed, and the project developer is available. The systems included are those that have been permitted and verified by NYC agencies and the developers responsible for the systems. There may be other energy storage projects in the pipeline or have not yet been verified. In light of NYC's recent announcement to deploy 100 megawatt-hours of energy storage in NYC by 2020, tracking these systems and their key characteristics will support market growth and play a role in strengthening NYC's resilience.
NYC IS LOOKING FOR RE INNOVATIONS
The Innovative Solar at Wastewater Treatment Plants RFI, developed in partnership with DEP, is requesting innovative approaches to developing large-scale solar PV installations at City owned wastewater treatment plants, where energy use is high but rooftop space for traditional PV systems are limited. This may include solar on parking lot canopies, vacant land, or canopies or systems built over processing tanks.
 
ON-SITE POWER CONFERENCE & EXPO
Integrating Combined Heat and Power (CHP), Solar PV, and Energy Storage
NYSERDA, along with cleantech industry partners, is hosting an On-Site Power Conference & Expo featuring the integration of clean energy solutions and systems. These include combined heat and power (CHP), solar PV, and battery/fuel cell technologies.
Register now for the conference & expo and be part of this unique two-day event.
NY-SUN GUIDEBOOK FOR MUNICIPALITIES 
NYSERDA recently developed and launched the  NY-Sun Solar Guidebook for Local Governments . The Guidebook includes updates to the NYS Unified Solar Permit and guidance on the New York State fire code, along with other practical information to aid local officials. Register for the November 3rd webinar to learn about the NYSUSP updates.
NY's FIRST PV+LANDFILL A WIN WIN    
The Sustainable CUNY team traveled up to Clarkstown, NY to take a first hand look at a 2.4 MW solar array that was constructed in 2014 on a closed landfill site.  At the close of the first year of operation the array produced 2,875,926 kWh, saving the town $37,387 in utility costs. Cost of installing the array to the town? Zero. The project was constructed through a power purchase agreement with a solar developer.  The developer maintains the system, and the city purchases the solar energy to be used in city buildings.  The project was the first solar project to be built on a landfill in New York State.  The project helped to pioneer the use of landfills for solar fields through close coordination with NYSDEC, Orange & Rockland Utility, City Government, consultants, and NYSERDA.  Dozens of landfill sites across the state are now investigating implementing solar arrays. The project represents a favorable reuse for a site that would otherwise be unused. 
WANTED: SHARED SOLAR DEVELOPERS   
NYC is looking for Shared Solar Developers and Contractors and is holding a webinar on November 9th to familiarize interested parties with how to participate through the Shared Solar NYC Portal. The Portal is an online marketplace where property owners in NYC can explore the opportunity to host a community shared solar project and view easy-to-compare quotes from vetted shared solar developers. Register for the free webinar 
NY SOLAR ANALYTICS
NYSolar Smart Partner Jurisdiction
Solar Snapshot
HUNTINGTON 
 
NYSolar Smart is a strategic effort led by Sustainable CUNY of the City University of New York that supports Federal, State and NYC solar initiatives to strategically remove barriers to large scale solar deployment.      
NY-Sun PV Trainers Network

Administrators

Planners

Code Officials

Inspectors

First Responders

Village Engineers

 


PVTN WORKSHOPS 
 

Solar Permitting and Inspection Methods
   
 
11/7 Carmel

11/21 Mechanicville

01/5 Orchard Park 

_____

Solar PV for Engineers


11/4 NYC

01/4 Orchard Park
_____

Safety & Fire Considerations for Solar
 

 
_____

Solar PV for Architects: Evaluation and Design Fundamentals

  
11/11 NYC

11/15 Poughkeepsie

12/21 Orchard Park

01/6 Orchard Park
_____ 
 
Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council, Local Government Workshop

11/16 Batavia  
 

Host a
Workshop

PVTN



Contact a NY Solar Ombudsman