"Arista Power was selected out of the pool of installers that applied for a variety of reasons. They offered competitive pricing, an experienced installation team, a strong network of suppliers, a familiarity of New York State and the NYSERDA incentive application process, and a strong, collaborative company presence," said Scott Ingmire, Director of Madison County Planning Department.
John Benetti, Project Director at Arista Power, said, "We are proud to be part of the solution for increasing energy independence in Madison County. Solarize is an initiative that has been gaining interest across the country by progressive communities that want to bring solar power and all of its benefits to its constituents in a cost effective and easy way. The outstanding Madison County team not only brought to the area the Solarize initiative, but they also, through the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board for Climate Change and Innovation Program (C2IP), made Solarize even more attractive by obtaining additional funding with grants."
Solarize Madison was initiated by the Madison County Planning Department and the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board with support from the Renewable Energy Training Center at Morrisville State College with the goal of bringing solar energy to Madison County with cost savings through volume purchasing and a streamlined installation process. The Solarize Madison program is receiving additional funding via a grant by the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board for Climate Change Innovation Program (C2IP) that provides Madison County up to $30,000 to promote the use of energy conservation measures and alternative energy development.
The Madison County Planning Department is offering fifteen $2,000 grants to help offset the acquisition costs associated with installing a direct-own solar photovoltaic system.
Glenn Steed, Arista Power's Installation Coordinator, said, "I am looking forward to working on this great project along with the various contractors and educational institutions within Madison County. The community element of the Solarize Madison program is going to be a great boon to our industry, not only within Madison County, but throughout New York State as well."
Interested participants must pledge by September 30, 2012 to install a system. Pending successful site evaluations by Arista Power, total project capacity should be attained by the end of October 2012. The program is open to all Madison County home and business owners, farmers, institutions, and municipalities on a first come first serve basis for a limited time. Interested parties should go to www.solarizemadison.com for more information.
