by Rachel Hunter
William and Shawna Silva of Somerville are enthusiastic about bringing the Somerville Community Solar Farm – a shared solar project operated by United Renewable Energy LLC – to the Gouverneur community.
Shared solar, or Community Distributed Generation (CDG), is a relatively new idea that allows anyone to become a member of a solar farm, and take advantage of low cost solar energy with no up front cost and no need to install panels on your roof.
Mr. Silva said it makes solar energy accessible to people who otherwise could not go solar, including those who don't want to invest money in solar panels, those without a good roof or place to put panels, or with trees shading their homes, and even to renters who otherwise could not have solar panels.
“This solar farm will be among the first, and likely the very first community solar farm operating on National Grid's distribution system in New York State,” Mr. Silva said. “The solar energy generated will show up as a line item on members’ electric bills as if the solar panels were installed on their own roof.”
Mr. Silva said that they anticipate operating by December.
They are looking for inaugural members for the Somerville Community Solar Farm. It is open to residential or commercial National Grid customers in Northern New York. Mr. Silva said members could look forward to saving over 25 percent on their electricity bill, saving up to $450 annually, using local solar energy. There is no long-term commitment, and the price is guaranteed not to increase for 20 years.
For more information, send your name, number, and a copy of your power bill to somerville@u-renew.com or fax (888-649-0610).