Robach Announces Funding For Renewable Energy Project

New York State Senator Joseph E. Robach, joined by County Executive Maggie Brooks, announced recently that Monroe County will receive a $56,000 grant for a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system at the Monroe County Office Building in Rochester.

Senator Robach said, "As we continue to search for alternative sources of energy in our ongoing effort to protect our environment I am happy to announce this project, which will generate a clean renewable source of energy here at the County Office Building. I was very happy to help secure this grant for this project which will help lessen our dependence on conventional energy sources. We must continue our efforts to search for ways to protect our environment and preserve our natural resources."

County Executive Maggie Brooks added, "Monroe County has been recognized statewide for our efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, safeguard the environment and protect local taxpayers. The Solar PV system is just the latest in our ongoing efforts to promote energy conservation and help residents save more of their hard-earned money. I am grateful for Senator Robach's efforts and for his continued partnership with Monroe County."

The PV system will have a capacity of six kilowatts and generate approximately 7,200 kilowatt-hours per year of renewable energy. The installed cost of the project will be approximately $84,000. The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will apply for an incentive from the New York State Energy Research Development Authority in the amount of $28,000 to help pay down the cost of the project.

When exposed to sunlight, the PV system proposed for Monroe County will generate electricity without the need for any moving parts or added fuel. The solar electricity, a clean, renewable source of energy, will offset the purchase of conventional grid supplied electricity by the County. Working as a parallel generator to the local utility, the PV system will not require an energy storage device and will not require any operator supervision.

The Authority plans to issue a competitive solicitation for a PV system installation contractor who would be responsible for the design and installation of the system.

The project grant was provided from Petroleum Overcharge Restitution (POCR) funds, established from proceeds of court settlements relating to major oil company violations of federal price controls in the 1970's and 1980's. NYPA administers the funds in New York State.