EnterSolar installation at a Dykes Lumber store

EnterSolar moving forward on 10 NYSERDA-aided projects

An EnterSolar installation at a Dykes Lumber store. Courtesy EnterSolarEnterSolar got New York State Energy Research and Development Authority funding to support 10 large-scale commercial solar projects in New York. The company has now received more than $6 million in awards through the Competitive PV program as part of Governor Cuomo's NY-Sun initiative.

Under the Competitive PV program projects larger than 200 kilowatts in size are selected based on the kilowatt per hour price they propose. Projects are limited to up to $3 million in funding through the program and the projects must be co-funded.

EnterSolar is working with commercial entities to make sure their projects are competitive and qualify for the program. It’s a commercial solar installer that’s partnered with a number of businesses, from mom and pop stores to national companies on a range of projects from 200 kilowatts to 2.6 megawatts. “The projects involve most of the state's electric utilities including National Grid, Con Edison, Orange and Rockland Utilities and NYSEG.

"Under Governor Cuomo's NY-Sun initiative, New York State has significantly increased solar capacity over the past year through public-private partnerships like the one with EnterSolar," said Francis Murray Jr., President and CEO, NYSERDA. "As more companies like EnterSolar install these large solar systems at businesses and commercial buildings, the NY-Sun initiative will prove to be a model for other states hoping to increase the amount of renewable energy produced, improve the quality of the environment and provide clean-energy jobs."

One of EnterSolar’s partners is Stewarts Shops, a convenience chain with 350 locations in New York and Vermont. "We are delighted to partner with EnterSolar to further our environmental and community initiatives," said Nancy Trimbur, SVP, Stewart's Shops. "Leveraging solar power will not only have significant environmental impact but great financial benefit as well."

Another is a recently completed solar installation at a Dyke's Lumber location. It’s the third that EnterSolar has completed for Dykes to date, EnterSolar said. It is among the first solar remote net-metering projects installed in the state.

"Enterprises come to us as prospects, curious about how to leverage the benefits of solar power and if it is right for them. We work with them closely to evaluate the best structure for them and guide them through from the legislative to installation process. It is always very gratifying to see the end result," said Paul Ahern, president, EnterSolar. The company also is working with a number of other businesses that are seeking to be part of the third round of financing offered through the Competitive PV program.