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New York Solar Energy

As part of CCE’s program to encourage the development of renewable energy, CCE strongly supports further solar development; particularly since the peak electricity demands coincide with the peak output of solar power during the sun drenched summer months. Below, please find resources highlighting our recent work to advance solar energy policy:

Suffolk County Acts First Under New Law to Encourage Solar Energy

On August 23, 2005, Suffolk County Legislature passed the first law in the state to exempt solar panels and associated equipment from local sales tax, effective December 1, 2005.

Click here to read the Newsday article about this important step (PDF format)

Two Bills Encouraging Solar Energy are Signed by Governor Pataki

Governor Pataki signs S.5252/A.8263 and S.4962-A/A.8263 into law. CCE Executive Director Adrienne Esposito is second from left.

On August 1, 2005, Governor Pataki signed two bills into law to encourage solar energy development. The bills, both sponsored by Senator Owen Johnson and Assemblyman DiNapoli, will now exempt purchasers of solar energy systems from state sales tax and allow localities to make local sales tax exempt and raise the amount of money that can be deducted from income taxes through purchasing solar power systems.

Click Here to read CCE’s Memorandum of Support on the legislation repealing sales tax on solar energy systems (S.4962-A and A.8262)

Click Here to read CCE’s Memorandum of Support on the legislation increasing the solar income tax deduction amount (S.5252 and A. 8263)

Click here to read the Governor’s press release

Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) announces its Solar Pioneer Program. To help protect the environment and promote clean energy alternatives, the program offers discounted installation of equipment, LIPA financing and a New York State tax credit toward the total cost of a home photovoltaic (PV) system.

Benefits to homeowners include the ability to sell excess energy production back to LIPA as well as substantial reductions in pollutants on the way to clean, green energy on Long Island. To find out more about LIPA's Solar Pioneer Program, call LIPA's EnergyWise Infoline at 1-800-692-2626 or visit the LIPA website at www.lipower.org/pioneer.html

Online Resource for Installing Solar Panels in Your Home

Are you interested in installing electric solar panels on your New York home or business? Click here to learn how to find installers that service your part of the state.