October 05, 2010

NYSERDA Funding for Solar Power and Energy Efficiency Helps Oswego's St. Luke Apartments Cut Energy Costs and Usage

State officials today announced that state funding of $316,000 will help the St. Luke Apartments in Oswego install a solar power system and energy efficiency measures that will significantly reduce operating costs and energy use for this affordable housing complex for seniors and the disabled.

The funding, which will reduce the building's energy costs by approximately $40,000 annually and cut its energy use by approximately 30 percent, was announced at an event attended by officials of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), State Senator Darrel Aubertine, and City of Oswego Mayor Randy Bateman.

NYSERDA is providing funding to install a 26.2 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of the building and a variety of energy efficiency measures that will improve lighting, heating, and other systems. It is part of a larger energy-improvement initiative by the Christopher Community Center of Syracuse, which operates similar facilities in Syracuse, Auburn and Canandaigua, to reduce energy use and costs at all of its facilities.

“Cutting energy costs and promoting new technologies is central to job creation and our economic future, which must include increased energy independence in New York State,” said Sen. Aubertine, vice chair and ranking majority member of the Senate Energy & Telecommunications Committee.
“These solar panels create jobs in their installation and maintenance, but with the savings they provide an organization like Christopher Community Center to reinvest in their operations. This project will continue to provide savings year after year and I applaud the leaders of the Christopher Community Center for their vision and NYSERDA for recognizing the value of this project.”

City of Oswego Mayor Randolph Bateman said, “I wish to congratulate St. Luke's Apartments on their recent award from NYSERDA for an energy efficiency initiative, which includes the installation of a 26.2 kW photovoltaic system. NYSERDA has also been a great partner with the City of Oswego in assisting with greening the City's energy sources. NYSERDA has previously provided the City with a $283,000 Grant for photovoltaic panels for the City's Fort Ontario Crisafulli Ice Rink, which will greatly reduce the City's energy bills to operate that facility. The City looks forward to new opportunities to partner with NYSERDA to continue reducing our energy costs.”

NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray said, “The comprehensive approach to energy management being taken by the leaders at St. Luke Apartments will set an example for building managers in Central New York and throughout New York State. By combining the use of clean, renewable energy with important energy efficiency measures, the leaders of Christopher Community Center will demonstrate how to reduce energy costs and usage while maintaining comfort for residents.”

Douglas Reicher, President of Christopher Community Inc. said, “We are proud to be on the cutting edge of technology with the installation of the solar panels on St. Luke Apartments. NYSERDA and Solar Liberty have been great partners in this project. Our residents may be seniors but it doesn't prevent them from being innovative and concerned about the health of our planet.”

“It's important to demonstrate that solar energy is a viable way to power a building,” said Adam Rizzo, President of Solar Liberty. “Community centers, nonprofit buildings, and schools are especially important for promoting solar energy. Seeing is believing. This project proves to business people and homeowners that a solar panel system gives a strong return on investment in New York State.”

The solar PV system, which will receive $125,000 in funding from NYSERDA, will produce approximately 11 percent of the building's power needs per year and reduce its energy costs by $6,700. The energy efficiency measures, which will be funded by $191,000 from NYSERDA, will reduce the building's energy costs by 26 percent or about $34,000 per year, and cut usage by 213,000 kWh per year.

St. Luke Apartments is an affordable housing project of 101 units. It is part of a larger network of affordable housing facilities for seniors, low-income, and disabled residents with facilities in Oswego, Syracuse, Auburn and Canandaigua.

In addition to its work in Oswego, Christopher Community Center will be receiving $1.2 million of NYSERDA funding to install PV panels and support energy efficiency measure at facilities in Syracuse, Auburn and Canandaigua that will reduce its energy costs by more than 20 percent.

For more information, visit NYSERDA.ny.gov.

Contact:

Jeffrey Gordon, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 ext. 3544
jrg@nyserda.ny.gov