New York Solar Energy Industries Association Supports Historic State Solar Energy Initiative

Online, January 28, 2010 (Newswire.com) - ALBANY, NY, Jan. 28 - New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) today applauded the state for a historic state solar energy initiative that will advance development of solar technologies, create clean energy jobs and drive economic growth.

The association's member companies are readying to respond to the New York Power Authority's (NYPA) request for proposals (RFP) issued on Jan. 27 seeking a public-private partnership for the installation of up to 100 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) systems across the state, enough to power 15,000 homes.

"This will be the largest solar purchase in state history and is tremendously important to putting New York on the map for implementing larger solar electric purchase agreements," said NYSEIA President Ron Kamen, senior vice president of EarthKind Solar. "It is an important and significant step toward meeting the state's clean energy goals that can be achieved through public-private partnerships."

NYPA is soliciting proposals from developers to install, own and operate PV arrays, and to sell all the energy and environmental attributes to NYPA subject to a 20-year power purchase agreement.

Installation of the solar PV projects is expected to begin this year and be completed by the end of 2014. The RFP calls for bids related to four separate categories and five separate regions across the state.

"NYSEIA is excited to work with our members and NYPA to respond to this offering and take this next step toward meeting the association's statewide goal of 2,000 MWs by 2020 and 5,000 MWs (5 GW) by 2025," Kamen said. "Like the success that Germany has achieved with its feed-in tariffs, a program like this can go along way toward helping the state achieve its clean energy goals."

About NYSEIA
The New York Solar Energy Industries Association, founded in 1994, is the only statewide non-profit membership and trade association dedicated solely to advancing solar energy use in New York State. For information, visit http://www.nyseia.org

Media Contacts:
Ron Kamen (917) 453-5740 [email protected]
Sandy Frinton (845) 454-3895 [email protected]