SOURCE:
https://www.amityvillerecord.com/articles/lipa-suffolk-county-partner-on-industrial-solar-analysis/
By CAROLYN JAMES - January 22, 2206
The Long Island Power Authority and Suffolk County have launched a new partnership to evaluate large-scale solar energy opportunities across major industrial areas in the county.
One study is to evaluate different business models, including traditional behind-the-meter systems and front-of-the-meter models where rooftop space is leased to developers, and to identify which structures best balance benefits for property owners, businesses, and the broader grid.
The project, announced Jan. 14 by LIPA CEO Carrie Meek Gallagher and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, will analyze rooftop solar potential, grid capacity, and permitting processes in key commercial zones. A consultant will be selected through a newly developed Request for Qualifications process.
Target areas include the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, Route 110 Corridor, Heartland Business Center in Brentwood, MacArthur Business Park, Brookhaven Rail Terminal, and Wyandanch.
The analysis will use geospatial and engineering data. The plan is reach out to municipalities, property owners and industrial associations to identify regulatory barriers.
For property owners and tenants, benefits can include:
•Lower electricity costs if the solar serves on-site load behind the meter.
•Lease revenue if a property owner leases rooftop space to a solar developer.
•Increased property value and marketability from hosting clean energy infrastructure.
•Potential participation in programs that recognize the system value of solar in constrained areas.
For the electric system and customers more broadly:
•Reduced peak demand and stress on local infrastructure.
•Improved reliability in constrained or high-load areas.
•Potential long-term cost avoidance by deferring or reducing the need for grid upgrades.
“We have the largest industrial parks east of the Mississippi; the second largest in the United States,” Romaine said as he discussed the benefit of solar energy at a recent Long Island Association breakfast. “That’s a lot of flat rooftops that can be used to collect solar energy, so we want to provide incentives.”
He added that the collaboration with LIPA “will help unlock the potential of our industrial areas to support clean energy, reduce business costs, and create a more resilient energy future.”
The Request for Proposals was issued January 16 with final proposals due February 6. A LIPA spokesman said the award is expected to be made around mid March.
Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer said he has spoken to the county and LIPA about the plan which, would include businesses in Wyandanch, primarily along Wyandanch Avenue between Straight Path and Belmont Avenue.
“Solar residents have been very happy with the success of having solar panels on their homes and it has not only saved them money but also provided additional energy for the grid,” said Schaffer. “I believe our local businesses would also save money with these solar leases and also help provide the additional energy we need here on Long Island. now and into the future.”
Environmental and clean energy groups praised the effort.
“Industrial rooftops are among New York’s most underused solar opportunities,” said Noah Ginsburg of NYSEIA. Julie Tighe of the New York League of Conservation Voters called it a “scalable, cost-effective model” for development. Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment said the effort could help reduce reliance on aging power plants.
