NYS Solar Grant Processing Improves

Online, August 2, 2010 (Newswire.com) - ALBANY, NY - New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) today praised New York State government for turning around processing of applications in its photovoltaic grant program, allowing the industry to continue on its growth track.

Reversing a dramatic slowdown in processing state solar grant applications earlier this year, a record number of applications have been processed in June by New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in half the regular turnaround time.

"The New York solar industry is revved up and moving forward again, thanks to the great collaboration at every level between NYSERDA and our association," said NYSEIA President Ron Kamen, senior vice president of EarthKind Solar.

NYSERDA caught up with a backlog of older applications and processed more than 550 applications since NYSEIA representatives met with senior NYSERDA management and program staff in May.

In addition, a record 227 applications were filed with NYSERDA in June and these have all been processed in three weeks times, due to a streamlined application process and improved communications.

The faster processing times means solar projects are moving ahead in New York. Hudson Valley Clean Energy of Rhinebeck said NYSERDA has presented them with new projects to be done in the coming months and the company has hired several new employees.

"NYSERDA's cycle time to processing new applications has really improved in the past month or two," said Jeff Irish, president of the firm. "We've seen some get approved in less than a month. Maintaining the high quality levels will be important as the industry moves forward. Our hope is that NYSERDA continues to be diligent about enforcing design quality and realistic customer expectations."

The changes in processing new PV incentive applications are positive for both PV installers and their customers, according to Michael Stangl, vice president regional sales of Alteris Renewables in Menands.

"This is very critical to us during the peak summer installation season," Stangl said. "Faster, more consistent application processing brings more certainly to our industry, which allows us to hire additional workers with confidence."

Gail Markels, NYSEIA Executive Director, said the program improvements will help to continue to bring clean energy jobs and economic development to the state.

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]
Gail Markels (917) 364-4760 [email protected]