The solar panels go up on the DWP roof in 2005 under the West administration

Notice the sign that used to denote Peace Park and which has sunflowers tethered to it from the Sunflower Project. Why the sign was taken down and not replaced remains a mystery.

New Paltz Solar Panels Audit (abstract)

The Village of New Paltz’s solar panel electrical system is estimated to eventually save the village as much as $30,700, and will reduce their contribution of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and sulfur dioxide emissions of more than 392,000 pounds, over the life of the panels The system has a 25-year warranty and an estimated useful life of 40 to 50 years. The main components of the system include solar panels capable of 15 kw of electricity per year, special inverters, and miscellaneous fixtures. The total cost of the system including parts, installation, and consulting was $131,435. NYSERDA provided funding of $91,390 and the Village paid the remaining $40,045 or 31 percent. Estimated payback period will be about 33 years.

http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/swr/08solarpanel/newpaltz.pdf

Let the Sun Shine

Solar Power, a clean renewable energy, has arrived on the roof of the Department of Public Works garage in the center of the Village of New Paltz.  At a time when we are all concerned about energy conservation, the Village and the Town of New Paltz have taken a step forward to an emission free energy source by installing Solar Panels.  Our tax payers are benefiting as the panels supply 10% of the energy needs for the buildings on the block; Volunteer Fire Department, Police Department, Town Court, Department of Public Works, Office of the Building Inspector, the Village Clerk’s Office and the Mayor’s Office. Our students are benefiting in the New Paltz School District and at SUNY New Paltz because they have a local science educational experience that demonstrates the effectiveness of solar power. The project provides a public read-out station to track energy savings that can be used as a tool for students and community members interested in the power generated by the solar project. It is located just inside the blue door to Village Hall, across from Peace Park on 25 Plattekill Ave.

Five communities in the Hudson Valley Region (12 in New York State) applied for and received a grant funded through a settlement of a lawsuit by Attorney General Eliot Spitzer against the Virginia Electric Power Company in 2003.  Under the settlement, the power company was required to pay $2.1 million dollars for air pollution mitigation projects in New York State.  The NYS Energy Research and Development Authority were charged with the responsibility of administering the funds to install solar energy equipment on government-owned buildings in the state.  New Paltz has received $96,200.00 for the installation of the solar panels.

The 14.8kW Photovoltaic system will produce approximately 17,500 kWh per year.  Located on the highly visible roof of the Dept. of Public Works, officials are hopeful that this installation will spur private businesses and home owners towards alternative energy sources in the future.