 |
|||||||||
| |||||||||
 |
|||||||||
|
Some Recent Articles
NYSERDA Projects Contribute to the Development of the Growing Solar Market
Lt. Governor and NYSERDA Annouce Solar Power System Grant to Train Electricians to Install Solar Power Lt. Governor Mary Donohue announced today that the Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee, in affiliation with the Local Union 236 - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and National Electrical Contractors association received $148,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to install a 30 kilowatt solar power system for their union training center in Latham. The installation was one of four across the State where NYSERDA provided $740,000 to support an overall statewide effort by local IBEW unions to install medium-size solar energy systems on their buildings. "Partnering with IBEW to train their membership with solar electric technology is another means of trying to penetrate the market and fostering new skills for electrical contractors," said Lieutenant Governor Mary O. Donohue. "Today's announcement offers tremendous opportunity for electrical contractors and sends a strong message that New York is looking towards the future where solar energy is a feasible option for many businesses and consumers." "Helping the IBEW's electricians and contractors across the State gain firsthand experience installing solar power is a great way to help the industry grow and will lead to more solar installations across the State," said NYSERDA President Peter R. Smith. "This partnership, the first of its kind in the nation, is another step forward in helping meet Governor Pataki's goal of increasing our supplies of renewable energy sources." The solar systems, with a combined capacity of 150 kilowatts, or enough power for 30 homes consist of photovoltaic modules manufactured by Sharp Electronics at its facility in Tennessee. The modules convert sunlight to direct current (DC) power which is then changed by a device, called an inverter, to alternating current (AC) power and fed into the building's power supply. The NYSERDA funding is the first time a government agency has provided statewide support for union hall installations. "It's a logical way to help the solar power industry grow. Who better than electricians and contractors to help bring this new generating technology to the mainstream," said Joseph Maraia, president of the New York State Association of Electrical Workers. "We intend to be good partners with the Governor and NYSERDA in helping expand our supply of renewable energy." The four union buildings receiving solar energy systems are: * 428 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham, NY at IBEW 236, the Tri-City Joint Training Center The projects are managed by NPCP, LLC - the National Photovoltaic Construction Partnership, a national effort sponsored by the IBEW to help unions, contractors, and building owners install solar power and support the growth of the solar power industry. NPCP has projects underway in California, New York, New Jersey and many other states. The installations provide a training opportunity for union electricians and contractors by increasing their awareness and interest in the technology and market for installing solar systems. "The more skilled electricians and contractors with experience in solar, the faster the industry will grow," said Lee Smith, managing director of NPCP. "That's why this project makes so much sense." The NYSERDA project is the first for union hall installations. "We applaud Peter Smith's leadership on solar and for helping get the ball rolling on solar for the IBEW in New York State," said Donald Rahm, business manager of Local 236. "Installing the system was a great learning experience for our apprentices. And we can use this installation to equip our electricians and contractors become more familiar with solar power," said Richard L. Cataldo, training director of the Tri-City Joint Apprentice & Training Committee, on whose site the system is installed. "With NYSERDA as our partner, this will be just the first of dozens and eventually hundreds of solar installations in the Capital District," said Lou DeBour, who installed the PV system and is also Chapter Manager of the Albany Electrical Contractors Association. "Sharp is committed to making solar a mainstream energy alternative, and we are gratified to see IBEW demonstrate what can be done with today's advanced solar power technology and the promise that solar energy holds for the future," said Ron Kenedi, general manager of Sharp Electronics' Solar Systems Division. "Fueled by increasing environmental and clean energy concerns, the U.S. market for solar energy is expected to climb to over 120MW by 2005. That will not only be good for the environment - it will also create jobs." For more information on solar power in New York State, contact NYSERDA at www.powernaturally.org or call toll-free 1-866-NYSERDA. For more information on the IBEW and NPCP efforts for solar power, visit the NPCP website at npcpsolar.com or contact Lee Smith at NPCP (212) 581-4030. For more information on Sharp Electronics Corporation and its solar product line, please visit www.sharpusa.com or call Joy Lee at 212-780-1900 ext. 517 |
||||||||
| |||||||||
